IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


Li  128 

lit  m 

I  US,    12.0 


■  22 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WiBSTiR.N.Y.  MS80 

(716)  S72-4S03 


-'■^y^ 

^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniquas  at  bibliographiquaa 


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copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagas  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


D 


D 


□ 


D 


0 


Coiourad  covars/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I      I    Covars  damagad/ 


Couvartura  andommag^a 


Covars  rastorad  and/or  iaminatad/ 
Couvartura  rastauria  et/ou  pailiculAa 


I      I   Covar  titia  missing/ 


Le  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  giographiquas  an  coulaur 


□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reii6  avac  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
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iors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  la  taxte, 
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Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppi^mantaires: 


Various  paging. 


Tha 
toti 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  la  malllaur  exemplaira 
qu'il  iui  a  M  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
da  cet  exemplaira  qui  sont  paut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographiqua,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  raproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mAthoda  normala  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


I      I   Coloured  pages/ 


D 
D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommag^as 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restauries  et/ou  peliiculAes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe( 
Pages  ddcoior^es,  tachet6es  ou  piquies 


|~n    Pages  damaged/ 

I — I   Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~\    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 


The 
posi 
of  tl 
fiimi 


Orig 
bagi 
the  I 
sion 
othe 
first 
sion 
or  ill 


□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachios 

EShowthrough/ 
Transparence 


Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quaiiti  in^gaia  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  matarit 
Comprend  du  material  supplimantaira 


I      I    Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I      I    Includes  supplementary  material/ 


The 

sha:i 
TINl 
whic 

Map 
diffa 
entir 
begi 
right 
requ 
metl 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
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This  item  is  filmed  at  tha  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  da  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

y 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


re 

l«tails 
BS  du 
modifier 
Br  une 
filmage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanite 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
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L'exemplaire  filmA  fut  reproduit  grAce  A  la 
gAnirosit*  de: 

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conformity  avec  ies  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


\ea 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
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Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprlmte  sont  filmAs  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impresslon  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
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d'impresslon  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
ia  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
rmpreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
sha:i  contain  the  symbol  —^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  y  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaJtra  sur  ia 
dernlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ^  signifie  "A  SUiVRE",  ie 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


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beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
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Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
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de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  ie  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
lllustrent  la  mAthode. 


f  errata 
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le  peiure, 

pon  A 


n 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

• 


^ 


THREE    YEARS 

TRAVELS 


THROUGH    THE 


INTERIOR   PARTS 


O   F 


NORTH-AMERICA, 


FOR   MORE    THAN 


FIVE    THOUSAND     MILES; 

CONTAINING 

An  Account  of  the  great  Lakes,  and  all  the  Lakes,  Islands* 

and  Rivers,  Cataracts,  Mountains,  Minerals, 

Soil  and  Vegetable  Productions  of  the  North- 

West  Regions  of  that  vast  Con  tinent  j 

WITH      A 

DESCRIPTION  OF  the  BIRDS,  BEASTS, 
REPTILES,  INSECTS,  and  FISHES 

PECULIAR    TO  THE  COUNTRY. 
TOGETHER  WITH    A    CSNCISS 

HISTORY  OF  THE  GENIUS,  MANNERS,  and  CUSTOMS 

OF    THE    INDIANS     INHABITING    THE    LANDS    THAT   LIB 
A0JACENT  lO  THE  HEADS  AND  TO  THE  WESTWARD 
OP    THE     GREAT     RIVER    MISSISSIPPI; 

A  N   D     A  N 

APPENDIX, 

Describing  THE  uncultivated  parts  of  AMERICA  that 

ARE  THE  MOST  PROPER  FOR  FORMING  SETTLEMENTS. 


i^sm 


By  Captain   JONATHAN   CARVER, 

OP  the  PROVINCIAL   TROOPS    IN    AMERICA. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
PuBLiSHio   BY   KfiV  &  SIMPSON  i~i796. 


.'>'> 


A 


war 


TO 


JOSEPH    B  A  N  K  S,  £9/ 


PRESIDENT 


O  F    T  H  E 


ROYAL    SOCIETY. 


S  I  R, 


When  the  Public  are  in- 
formed that  I  have  long  had  the  Ho- 
nor of  your  Acquaintance — that  my 
defign  in  publilhing  the  following 
Work  has  received  your  Sanftion — - 
that  the  Compofition  of  it  has  flood 
the  Teft  of  your  Judgment — and  that 
it  is  by  your  Permiflion,  a  Name  fo 
defervedly  eminent  in  (he  Literary 
World  is  prefixed  to  it,  I  need   not 


iV 


DEDICATION. 


be  apprehenfive  of  its  Succefs;  as  your 
Patronage  will  unqueftionably  give 
them  Affurance  of  its  Merit. 

For  this  public  ?  eftim^ny  of  your 
Favor,  in  which  I  pride  myfelf,  ac- 
cept, Sir,  my  moll  grateful  Acknow- 
ledgments ;  and  believe  me  to  be, 
with  great  Refpe£l, 


Your  obedient, 


humble  Servant, 


J.  CARVER. 


:\ 


A  N 


ADDRESS 


T  O    T  H  E 


U      B      L      I      C. 


JL  HE  favorable  reception  this  Work  has 
met  with,  claims  the  Author's  moft  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments. A  large  edition  having  run  ofiF 
in  a  few  months,  and  the  fale  appearing  to  be  ftill 
unabated,  a  new  impreffion  is  become  neceflary. 
On  this  occafion  was  he  to  conceal  his  feelings,  and 
pafs  over  in  filence,  a  diftindlion  fo  beneficial  and 
flattering,  he  would  juftly  incur  the  imputation  of 
ingratitude.  That  he  might  not  do  this,  he  takes 
the  opportunity,  which  now  prefents  itfelf,  of  con- 
veying to  the  Public  (though  in  terms  inadequate 
to  the  warm  amotions  of  his  heart)  the  fenfe  he  en- 
tertains of  their  favorj  and  thus  tranfmits  to  them 
his  thanks. 

In  this  new  edition,  care  has  been  taken  toredify 
thofe  errors  vjrhich  have  unavoidably  proceeded 
from  the  hurry  of  the  prefs,  and  liktwife  any  in- 
correflncfs  in  the  language  that  has  found  its  way 
into  it. 

The  credibility  offomeofthe  incidents  related  in 
the  following  pages,  and  fome  of  the  ftories  intro- 
duced therein,  having  been  queftioned,  particularly 


VI 


ADDRESS. 


>*. 


£•'*' 


the  ;  rognnflication  of  the  Indian  pricft  on  the  banks 
nf  Lake  Siincrio*  and  the  ftory  of  the  Indian  and 
his  rattle  inakc,^'tlie  author  thinks  it  ncccflary  to 
avail  himfclf  of  the  fame  opportunity,  to  endeavour 
to  eradicate  any  impreflions  that  might  have  been 
made  on  the  minds  of  his  readers,  by  the  apparent 
improbability  of  thefe  relations. 

As  to  the  former,  he  has  related  it  jiifl:  as  It  hap- 
peneci.  Being  an  eye-witnefs  to  the  whole  tranf- 
adioi\  (and,  he  flatters  himfelf,  at  the  time,  free 
from  every  trace  of  fceptical  obftinacy  or  enthufiaftic 
credulity)  he  v/as-confcqucndy  able  todefcribe  every 
circumltance  minutely  and  impartinlly.  This  he  has 
done ;  but  without  endeavouring;  to  account  for  the 
means  by  which  it  was  accompli  (lied.  Whether 
the  predi(5lion  was  the  refult  of  prior  obfervations, 
from  which  certain  confequences  were  expecfled  to 
follow  by  the  fagacious  prieft:,  and  the  completion 
ff  it  merely  accidental  i  or  whether  he  was  really 
endowed  with  fupernatural  powers,  the  narrator  left 
to  the  judgment  of  his  readers;  wliofe  conclufions, 
he  fuppofes,  varied  according  as  the  mental  faculties 
of  ench  were  difpofed  to  admit  or  rejei^t  fad:s  that 
cannot  be  accounted  for  by  natural  caufes. 


The  (lory  of  the  rattle  fnake  was  re^-^ted  to  him 
hy  a  French  gentleman  of  undoubted  veracity;  and 
were  the  rciidors  of  this  work  as  thoroughly  acquaint- 
ed with  the  fagacity,  and  in(]:ih«5bive  proceedings  of 
that  animal,  as  he  is,  they  would  be  as  well  aflTured 
of  the  truth  of  it.  It  is  vvell  known  that  thofe  fiiakes 
which  have  furvived  through  the  fum:ner  the  acci- 
dents reptiles  are  liable  to,  periodically  retire  to  the 
woods,  at  the  approach  of  winter;  where  each  (as 
curious  obfervers  have  remarked)  take  poneflion  of 
the  cavity  it  had  occupied  the  preceding  year.  As 
ii)on  as  the  frafon  i?  propitious,  enlivened  by  the 


^  h  7  y- 


pi 


ADDRESS. 


vil 


invigorating  rays  of  the  fun,  they  leave  thefc  re- 
treats, and  make  their  way  to  the  fame  fpor, 
though  ever  fo  diftant,  on  which  they  before  had 
found  fubfiftencc,  and  the  means  of  propagating  their 
ipecies.  Does  it  then  require  any  extraordinary 
exertions  of  the  mind  to  believe,  that  one  of  thefc 
regular  creatures,  after  having  been  kindly  treated 
by  its  mafter,  Ihould  return  to  the  box,  in  which  it 
had  ufually  been  fupplied  with  food,  and  had  met 
v^ith  a  comfortable  abode,  and  that  nearly  about  the 
time  the  Indian,  from  former  experiments,  was  able 
to  guefs  at.  It  certainly  does  not;  nor  will  the  li- 
beral and  ingenious  doubt  the  truth  of  a  (lory  fo  well 
authenticated,  becaufe  the  circumftances  appear  ex- 
traordinary in  a  country  where  the  fubjedt  of  it  is 
fcarccly  known. 

Thefc  explanations  the  author  hopes  will  fuffice 
to  convince  his  readers,  that  he  has  not,  as  travel- 
lers arc  fometimes  fuppofed  to  do,  amufcd  them 
with  improbable  tales,  or  wifhed  to  acquire  im- 
portance by  making  his  adventures  favor  of  the 
marvellous. 


i^ 


CONTENTS. 


I: 


NTRODUCTION,  .  i 

The  Author  fcts  out  from  Bofton  on  his  Travels,  1 1 
Dcfcription  of  Fort  Michillimackinac,  12 

— —  Fort  La  Bay  -  -  13 

"  the  Green  Bay,  -  14 

■  Lake  Michigan  -  18 

Arrives  at  the  Town  of  the  Winnebagocs,  20 

Excurfion  of  the  Winnebagoes  towards  the  Spa- 

nilla  Settlements  -  -21 

Dcfcription  of  the  Winnebago  Lake,  -         23 

Inflance  of  rcfolution  of  an  Indian  Woman  25 

Dcfcription  of  the  Fox  River,  -  26 

Remarkable  ilory  of  a  Rattle  Snake,  "       27 

The  great  Town  of  the  Saukics,  -  29 

Upper  Town  of  the  Ottagaumicf,  •  30 

Dcfcription  of  the  Ouifconfin  River,  -        ib. 

Lower  Town  qf  the  Octagaumies,  or.  La  Prairies 

Les  Chiens,  -  -  "3^ 

An  attack  by  fomc  Indian  Plunderers,         »  32 

Dcfcription  of  the  MiiTiflippi  from  th^  Mouth  of 

the  Ouifconfin  to  LaRc  Pepiu,  -         34 

« — Lake  Pepin  ^  -       ib. 

Remarkable  Ruins  of  an  ancient  Fortification  35 
The  River  Ba.ids  of  the  Naudoweflie  Indians,  37 
Adventure  with  a  party  of  thcfe,  and  fomc  of  the 

Chcpeways,  -  -  ib. 

Pcfcripiion  of  a  remarkable  Cave,  *  40 


CONTENTS. 


"X 


F       Vl 


ii 


Uncommon  behaviour  of  the  Prince  of  the  Win- 

nebagocs  at  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  4% 

Dcfcription  of  the  Falls,  r  43 

Extent  q{  the  Auvhcr's  Travels,  -  45 

Defcription  of  the  R.iver  St.  Pierre,  -         47 

Sources  of  the  Four  great  Rivers  of  North  Ame- 
rica, -  T  ib, 
Rcfle6tions  on  their  Affinity,                     -  48 
The  Naudo  we  flies'  of  the  Plains,  with  whom  the 

Author  wintered  in  the  year  1766,  50 

The  Author  returns  to  the  Mouth  of  the  River 

St.  Pierre,  -  -  $3 

Accountof  a  violent  Thunder  ftorm,  ibJ 

Speech  made  by  the  Author  in  a  Council  held  by 

the  Naudoweflics  at  the  great  Cave,  54 

Adventure  with   a  Party   of  Indians  near  Lake 

Pepin,  -  -      60 

Defcription  of  the  Cmmtry  adjacent  to  the  River 

St.  Pierre,  -  -  62 

Account  of  different  Clays  found  near  the  Marble 

River,  ;  i*^.  ;:l  -  6;^ 

Defcription  of  the  Chipeway  River  -  64 

Extraordinary  effects  of  a  Hurricane,  -       6§ 

The  Author  arrived  at  the  Grand  Portage  on  the 

North-wefl  borders  of  Lake  Superior,  67 

Account  of  the  Lakes  lying  further  to  the  North- 
weft  :  Lake  Bourbon,  Lake  Winnepcek, 
Lake  Du  Boi$,  Lake  La  Piuye,  Red  Lake, 
&c.  -  -  ib. 

Account  of  a  nation  of  Indians  fuppofed  to  have 
been  tributary  to  the  Mexican  Kings,  74 

■  the  fhining  Mountains,  -  76 

A  fingular  prediction  of  the  Chief  Priefl  of  the 

Killiflinoes  verified,  -  77 

Defcription  of  Lake  Superior,  -  83 

Story  of  the  two  Chipeways  landing  on  the  Ifland 

ofMaurepas,  -  85 

Account  of  great  quantities  of  Copper  Ore,  87 


CONTENTS. 

Defcription  of  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie, 
■  Lake  Huron, 

Saganaum  and  Thunder  Bays, 


XI 


89 
90 

91 


Extraordinary  phcenomcnon  in  the  Straits  of  Mi- 

chillimackinac,  -  -  92 

Defcription  of  Lake  Sf..  Claire,    '  -  94 

— —  the  River,  Town  and  Fort  of  Detroit,  ^^ 

Remarkable  rain  at  Detroitj  -  96 

Attack  of  Fort  Detroit  by  Pontiac,  97 

DefcriptioD  of  Lake  Erie,  •-  105 

— ■^—  the  River  and  Falls  of  Niagara,  106 

' Lake  Ontario  and  Lake  Oniada,         107 

— Lake  Champlain,  and  Lake  George,  108 

Acsount  of  a  traft  of  land  granted  to  Sir  Ferdi- 

nando  Gorges,  and  Captain  John  Mafon,  109 
The  Author's  Motives  for  undertaking  his  Tra- 
vels, -  -  112 


CHAPTER    I. 


The  origin  of  the  Indians,  -  115 

Sentiments  of  various  Writers  on  this  point,  1 16 

'  Monfieur  Charlevoix,  -  122 

James  Adair,  Efq.  -  128 

the  Author  of  this  Work,         -  132 

Corroboracicn  of  the  latter  by  Dr.  Robertfon  138 


CHAPTER    II. 


Of  the  perfons,  drefs,  &c.  of  the  Indians,  140 

An  account  of  thofc  who  have  written  pn  this 

Subjed,  -  -  ib. 
Defcription  of  the  perfons  of  the  Indians,  142 
their  Drefs,                    -                   144 


*^'.:, 


9'-c  ■; 


'        I 


tfONTE^JTS. 

the  Drefs  of  the  Ottagaumics, 
the  Drefs  of  the  Naudowcifies, 


The  manner  in  which  they  build  their  tents  and 
huts,  148 

Their  domeftic  utenfils,  •  149 


CHAPTER    m. 


Of  the  manner^  qualifications,  &c.  of  the  Indi- 
ans, 151 
Peculiar  cuftotiis  of  the  women,             -             i^z 
The  circumfpe6b  and  iloical  difpoiition  of  the 

men,  -  -  153 

Their  amazing  fagacity,  *  155 

The  liberality  of  the  Indians,  and  their  opinion 

rcfpeding  money,  *  158 


CHAPTER    IV. 


Their  method  of  reckoning  time,  &c»  160 

The  names  of  which  they  didinguiih  the  months,  ib. 
Their  idea  of  the  ufe  of  figures,        *         .       .162 


CHAPTER    V. 


Of  their  government,  &c.                -  164 

Their  divifion  into  tribes,                 -  ib. 

The  Chiefs  of  their  bands,                     -  165 

The  members  that  compofe  their  councils,  167 


«ONTENTS. 


3U^ 


CHAPTER    VI. 


Of  their  feafts,  •  •  169 

Their  ufual  food  ,   •  -  ib. 

Their  manner  of  dreffing  and  eating  their  visu- 
als, *  -  17^ 


CHAPTER    VII. 


172 
ib. 


Of  their  dances,  *  - 

The  manner  in  which  they  dance. 

The  pipe  or  calumet  dance,  -  ^74 

The  war  dance,  -  •«  ib. 

The  Paw w aw  dance,  -  175 

An  uncommon  admiflion  into  a  fociety  among 

the  Naudowe flies,  -  ib. 

The  dance  of  the  Indians  on  the  banks  of  the 

Mifllflippi,  referred  to  in  the  Journal,  180 

The  dance  ot  the  facrifice,  -  184 


CHAPTER    Vm. 


Of  their  Hunting,  -         -  -  184 

Their  Preparation  before  they  fct  out,  185 

Their  manner  of  hunting  che  Bear,  -  186 

'  — Buffaloe,  Deer,  &c.  ib. 

■     Beaver^  -        188 


CHAPTER    IX. 

Of  their  Manner  of  making  War,  &c. 


191 


iAt 


CONTENTS. 


The  Indian  Weapons,  -  -  i^i 

Their  Motives  for  making  War,         -  193 

Preparations  before  they  take  the  Field,  1 95 

The  Manner  in  which  they  folicit  other  Nations 

to  become  their  Auxiliaries,     .        -  198 

Their  Manner  of  declaring  War,         -         -      199 
The  Method  of  engaging  their  Enemies,  201 

An  Inftance  of  the  Efficacy  of  it  in  the  Defeat  of 

General  Braddock,  -  -         202 

A  detail  of  the  Maffacre  at  Fort  William  Henry 

in  the  Year  1757,  -  -  203 

Acutenefs  and  Alacrity  of  the  Indians  in  the  pur- 

fuing  their  Enemies,         -  -  212 

Their  manner  of  Scalping,  -  -       21 J 

The  manner  in  which  they  retreat,  and  carry  off 

their  Prifoners,  -  -  214 

A  remarkable  Inftance  of  Heroifm  in  a  Female 

Prifoner,  -  -  -  215 

Treatment  of  their  Prifoner,  -        -         2 1 S 

The  Origin  of  their  felling  Slaves,  -  225 

■  CHAPTER    X. 


Of  their  Manner  of  making  Peace  &c.  228 

Account  of  an  Engagement  between  the  Iro- 
quois and  the  Ottagaumies  and  Saukies,      229 
Manner  in  which  they  condudl  a  Treaty  of  Peace,  233 
Defcription  of  the  Pipe  of  Peace,  -  ib. 

. — , Belts  of  Wampum,  235 


CHAPTER     XI. 


Of  their  Games, 

The  Game  of  the  Ball, 

—  Bowl  or  Plarter, 


237 
ib. 

232 


CONTENTS. 


XT 


itions 


at  of 
[cnry 


19! 
193 

198 
199 

201 

202 


203 


epur- 


rry 


off 


212 
213 


:male 


214 

215 
21S 

225 


228 
Ire- 
nes,     229 
'cace,  233 
ib. 

235 


237 
ib. 

238 


CHAPTER    XII. 

Of  their  Marriage  Ceremonies,  -  240 

The  Manner  in  which  the  Tribes  near  Canada 

celebrate  their  Marriages,  -       .        241 

The  Form  of  Marriage  among  the  Naudowcflies,  244 
Their  Manner  of  carrying  on  an  Intrigue,  246 

Of  the  Indian  Names,  -.•  -  248 


CHAPTER     XIIL 

Of  their  Religion, 

Their  Ideas  of  a  Supreme  Being, 

1 — Future  State, 


249 
ib. 

251 
ib. 


Of  their  Priefts,  -  ".  .    "      . 

The  Sentiments  of  others  on  the  religious  Prin- 
ciples of  the  Indians  oppofed,  ^  -  253 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


O 


•o: 


Of  their  Difeafes,  &c.  -  -  255 

The  Complaints  to  which  they  are  chiefly  fubjeft,  ib. 
The  Manner  in  which  they  conftrudt  their  Sweat- 
ing Stoves,  -  -  256 
The  methods  in  which  they  treat  their  difeafes,  257 
An  extraordinary  Inftance  of  the  Judgment  of  an 

Indian  Woman,  in  a  defperate  Cafe,  259 

CHAPTER     XV. 

The  manner  in  which  they  treat  their  Dead,  261 

A  Specimen  of  their  Funeral  Harangues,  262 

Their  method  of  burying  their  Dead,         -  263 

A  fingular  Inftance  of  parental  Affedion  in  a 

Naudoweffic  Womati,             -          -  264 


rvi  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

A  concife  Charafter  of  che  Indians,  -         268 

Their perfonal  and  mental  Qualifications,  269 

Their  public  Gharaftcr  as  Members  of  4  Com- 
mynity,  -  -  -  270 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

Of  their  Language,  Hieroglyphics,  &c.  273 

Of  the  Chipe  way  Tongue,             -             -  ib. 
Dcfcriptivc  Specimen  of  their  Hieroglyphics, 

&c.  275 

Vocabulary  of  the  Chipeway  Language,  278 

>■                      ■■  Nagdowcific  Language,  2S8 


CHAPTER    XVm. 

Of  tb"  Beafts,  Birds,  Fiflies,  Reptiles,  and  In- 
Icdbs,  which  are  found  in  the  Interior  parts 
of  North-America,  *  -        294 


BEASTS. 


I 


The  Tiger.     The  Bear,  -.  -  295 

The  Wolf    The  Fox.   Dogs.    The  Cat  of  the 

Mountain,  -  -  296 

The  Buffalo.  The  Deer.  The  Elk,         -  297 

The  Moofe.  The  Carraboo,  -  298 

The  Carcajou.  The  Shunk,  -  299 

The  Porcupine,  -  -  ^  301 

The  Wood-chuck.  The  Racoon.  The  Marten. 

The  Mufquafh,  r  -  302 

Squirrels.  The  Braver,  r  ^        304 

The  Otter.     The  Mink,  -  -  308 


CONTENTS. 


fiCVIl 


BIRDS. 

The  Eagle.    The  Night  Hawk.    The  Whip- 

perwill,  -  -  .  J09 

The  Fifh  Hawk.  The  Owl.  The  Crane,  311 

Ducks.  The  Teal.  The  Loon.  The  Partridge,  312 
The  Wood  Pigeon.    The  Woodpecker.    The 

Blue  Jay.  The  Wakon  Bird,  -         313 

The  Black  Bird.  The  Red  Bird.  ThcWhctfaw,  315 
The  King  Bird.  The  Humming  Bird,         -         ib. 


FISHES. 


The  Sturgeon, 

The  Cat  Fifh.     The  Carp.  The  Chub, 


316 
317 


SERPENTS. 


The  Rattle  Snake,  -  -  318 

The  Long  Black  Snake.  The  Striped  or  Gar- 
ter Snake.  -  -•  -         321 

The  Water  Snake.  The  Hiffing  Snake.     The 

Green  Snake,  -  -         -       322 

The  Thorn- tail  Snake.  The  Speckled  Snake. 
The  Ring  Snake.  The  two-headed  Snake. 
The  Tortoife  or  Land  Turtle,  r        323 


LIZARDS. 


The  Swift  Lizard.     The  Slow  Lizard.     The 
Tree  Toad,  -  ».  -  324 

c 


XVIU 


CONTENTS. 


m. 


INSECTS. 


The  Silk  Worm.    The  Tobacco  Worm.  The 

Bee.  The  Lightning  Bug  or  Fire  Fly,         325; 
The  Water  Bug.  The  Horned  Bug.  Locuft,      327 


•>. 


CHAPTER     XIX. 


Of  the  Trees,    Shrubs,    Roots,   Herbs,  Flow- 
ers, &c.  -  -  -  328 

TREES. 


The  Oak,  ...  ib. 

The  Pine  Tree;,  The  Maple.  The  Afh,  329 

The  Hemlock  Tree. '  The  Bafs  or  White  Wood. 
TJie  Wickopick  or  Suckvvick.  The  Button 
Wood,  -  -  -  „  33.1^ 


N  U  T  T  R  E  E  S. 


The  Butter  or  Oil  Nut.  The  Beech  Nut, 
Ths  Pecan  Nut.  The  Hickory, 


332 
333 


j  3i;  i. 


FRUIT     TREES. 


The  Vine  ...  234- 

The  Mulberry  Tree.  The  Crab  Apple  Tree. 
The  Plum  Tree.  The  Cherry  Tree.  The 
Sweet  Gum  Tj-ee,  -  -  ib. 


CONTENTS. 


ate 


SHRUBS. 

The  Willow.  Shin  Wood.  The  Saflafras,  3^6 

The  Prickly  A(h.     The  Moofc  Wood.     The 

Spood  Wood.  The  Elder,  -  337 

The  Shrub  Oak.  The  Witch  Hazel.  The  Myr- 
tle Wax  Tree.  Winter  Green,  338 

The  Fever  Bulh.  The  Cranberry  Bufh.  The 
Choak  Berry,  -  -  339 


ROOTS     AND     PLANTS. 


Spikenard.  Sarfaparilla.  Ginfang,.  -         346 

Gold  Thread.     Solomon's  Seal.     DeviPs  Bit. 
Blood  Root,  -  -  341 


HERBS. 


Sanicle.  Rattle  Snake  Plantain,  -         343 

Poor  Robin's  Plantain.    Toad  Plantain.  Rock 
Liverwort.  GargitorSkoke.  Skunk  Cab- 
bage or  Poke.  Wake  Robin,  -        344 
Wild  Indigo.     Cat  Mint,             9  *          -  345 
FLOWERS,            -            -            .              346 


FARINACEOUS  and  LEGUMINOUS 
ROOTS,    &c. 


Maize  or  Indian  Corn.  Wild  Rice, 
Beans.  The  Squafli, 


ib, 
349 


snf 


CONTENTS. 


APPENDIX. 

The  Probability  of  the  interior  parts  of  North- 
America  becoming  Commercial  Colonies,  351 

The  Means  by  which  this  might  be  efFcdted,       352 

Tradbs  of  land  pointed  out,  on  which  Colonies 
may  be  eftablifhed  with  the  greateft  Ad- 
vantage, - .  -  -  354 

Diflcrtation  on  the  Difcovery  of  the  North-weft 
Paffage,  -  -  358 

The  moft  certain  way  of  attaining  it,  ib. 

Planpropofed  by  Richard  Whiteworth,  Efq. 
for  making  an  Attempt  from  a  Quarter  hi- 
therto unexplored,  -  352 

The  Reafon  of  its  being  poftponed,  -         360 


>,» 


s 


INTRODUCTION. 


^ 


i^  O  fooncr  was  the  late  war  with  France 
concluded,  and  peace  cftablifticd  by  the  treaty  of 
Verfailles  in  the  year  1763,  than  I  began  to  confider 
(having  rendered  my  country  fome  fervices  during 
the  war)  how  I  might  continue  (IHl  ferviceable,  and 
contribute,  as  much  as  lay  in  my  power,  to  make 
that  vaft  acquifition  of  territory,  gained  by  Great- 
Britain  in  North-America,  advantageous  to  it.  It 
appeared  to  me  indifpenfably  needful,  that  govern- 
ment fhould  be  acquainted,  in  the  firll  place,  with 
the  true  (late  of  the  dominions  they  were  now  be- 
come pofieffed  of  To  this  purpofe,  I  determined, 
as  the  next  proof  of  my  zeal,  to  explore  the  moll 
unknown  parts  of  them,  and  to  fpare  no  trouble  ©r 
cxpence  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  that  promifed  to 
be  fo  ufeful  to  my  countrymen.  I  knew  that  many 
obftru6lions  would  arifc  tomy  Icheme  from  the  want 
of  good  maps  and  charts  j  for  the  French,  whilfl: 
they  retained  thsir  power  in  North-America,  had 
taken  every  artful  method  to  keep  all  other  nations, 
particularly  the  Englilh,  in  ignorance  of  the  con- 
cerns of  the  interior  parts  of  it :  and  to  accemplilh 
this  defign  with  the  greater  certainty,  they  had  pub- 
lifhed  inaccurate  maps  and  falfe  accounts;  calling 
the  different  nations  of  the  Indians  by  nicknames 
they  had  given  them,  and  not  by  thofe  really  apper- 
taining to  them.  Whether  the  intention  of  the 
French  in  doing  this,  was  to  prevent  thefe  nations 
from  being  difcovered  and  traded  with,  or  to  con- 

.     A 


II 


I  N    r  R  O  D  U  C  T  I  O  N. 


1 


ccal  tl:cir  ciircouiTf,  vvlicn  iht-y  talknl  to  tach  othcf 
ofil.c  Iiivlian  c( nurns  in  lIk  ii  j.iticnn-,  1  will  not 
clcttrr..iiu'i  Lut  vslijcll  ivtr  v.a^  the  caiilc  iiuin  v.l.ich* 
it  aiolc,  it  ttntlcd  to  iiiiiiriid. 

Ar>  ii  proof  that  rl;e  I'-rolHh  liad  been  greatly  c!c- 
ccivt\l  l)y  tlic  fo  hccomus,  an.i  that  their  Inovvlcilgc 
1  dative  to  Canada  i....l  ufu.iliy  lifcn  very  conhii- 
fdi— i)ttbre  tiic  foi.qutil  oi  Ciown-i'oiiu  in  1759, 
ic  had  bttD  ifltcii.td  an  in  pic^^nabic  tcitieisi  luit 
no  foont r  was  it  taktn,  than  \vc  wtri-  ctinvincfd  that 
it  had  acqiiirtd  its  girattll  Itcurity  fr(  m  falfc  re- 
ports, [liven  out  by  its  poflclllr:.,  and  n.ight  have 
been  battered  down  with  a  few  four  pounders.  Even 
i!s  fituacion,  which  was  reprcfcntcd  to  be  fo  very 
advantageous,  was  found  to  owe  its  advantages  to 
the  fame  fource.  It  cannot  be  denied  but  that  fome 
inap'Sof  thcic  countries  Lave  been  publiflied  by  the 
French  witli  an  appt'arance  of  accuracy;  but  thefe 
are  of  io  fmall  a  fize,  and  drawn  on  fo.  minute  a  fcale, 
that  they  are  nearly  inexplicable.  The  fourccs  of 
the  JVlifiifii|  pi,  I  can  aiTert  from  my  own  cxpcri- 
<;ncc,  are  greatly  mifplaced  i  fcr  v.hcn  I  had  explored 
them,  and  compared  tlieir  fituation  w^ith  the  French, 
charts,  I  found  them  very  erroneoufiy  reprcfented^ 
and  am  fatistied  that  thefe  were  only  copied  from  the 
rude  fketchti,  of  the  Indians. 

Even  fo  lately  as  their  evacuation  of  Canada,  they 
continued  their  fchenies  to  tleceivej  leaving  no  tra- 
ces by  which. acy  knowledge  might  accrue  to  their 
conquerors;  fc:  though  they  were  well  acquainted 
with  all  the  lakes,  particulaily  with  lake  Superior, 
having  co.iftantiy  a  vef.el  of  confiderable  burthen 
therc(  n,  yet  tlieir  plans  of  them  are  veiy  incorrect. 
\  difcovercd  n)any  errors  in  the  cifcriptions  given 
therein  of  its  illands  and  bays,  during  a  progrefs  of 
tKven  hunuicd  miles   that  I  coafted  i:   ia  cinoes^ 


I  N  T  R  O  D  U  C  T  1  O  N. 


»'i 


They  llkewifc,  on  givinp;iip  ihc  pofil  fPions  of  t^fr.i, 
took  care  to  leave  the  plates  ihiy  hail  occnpicil, 
in  the  iamc  unculr.iv.itcil  llarc  they  had  foui.d  rhcni; 
at  tlu'  lame  time  drllroying  all  their  naval  force.  I 
oblervcil  myfclf  part  (4'ihe  hulk  ota  vety  lar<:;e  vcf- 
iVl,  burnt  to  the  watei  's  etig'*,  jiiit  at  the  opcninf]^ 
f.om  the  Straits  of  St.  Marie  intc»  the  Lake. 

Tlxrfe  difficulties,  however,  were  nor  i'ufllcicnt  tv'> 
deter  me  from  the  uiuiertakinjr,  and  I  made  prepa- 
rations for  fettinj^out.  Wh.itl  ci. icily  had  in  view, 
after  gaining  a  knovvledge  of  the  manners,  culloms, 
languages,  U;il,  arvd  natural  produ-^lifuis  of  the  dif- 
ferent nations  that  inliabit  the  back  of  the  Mifiifiippi, 
was  to  afcertain  thj  breat'th  of  that  vail  continent, 
which  extends  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  in  its  broaded  part  between  43  and  46  de- 
grees northern  latitude.  Had  I  been  able  toaccom- 
plilh  this,  I  intended  to  have  propofed  to  govern- 
ment to  cllablilh  a  poll  in  feme  of  thofe  parts  about 
the  Straits  of  Annian,  which,  having  been  firft  dif- 
covered  by  Sir  Francis  Drake,  of  courfc  belong 
to  the  Englilh.  This  I  am  convinced  would  greatly 
facilitate  the  difcovery  of  a  north  weft  pafiage,  or  a 
communication  between  Hudfon's  Bay  and  the  Pa- 
citic  Ocean.  An  event  fodefirable,  and  v/hich  has 
been  fo  often  fought  for,  but  without  fucccfs.  Be- 
fides  this  important  end,  a  feitlcment  on  that  extre- 
mity of  America  would  anfwer  many  good  pur- 
pofcs,  and  repay  every  expence  the  cllabliniment  of 
it  might  occafion.  For  it  would  not  only  difciofe 
nrw  fources  of  trade,  and  pri^mote  many  wCciXA 
difcoveries,  but  v/ould  open  apafPage  for  conveying 
intellio-ence  to  China,  and  the  Englilh  fcttkments 
In  the  Eait  Indies,  with  greater  expedition  than  a 
tedious  voyage  by  the  C.ipe  of  Good  Hope,  or  the 
§tr3its  of  Magellan  will  allow  of. 


11 


Vf 


I  N  T  R  O  D  U  C  1'  I  O  N. 


How  far  the  advantages  arifing  from  fuch  an  cn- 
tcrprizc  may  extend,  can  only  be  afcertained  by 
the  favorable  concurrence  of  future  events  But 
that  the  completion  of  the  fcheme,  I  have  had  the 
honor  of  firft  planning  and  attempting,  will  fomc 
time  or  other  be  effeded,  I  make  no  doubt.  From 
the  unhappy  divifions  that  at  prefent  fubfift  between 
Great-Britain  and  America,  it  will  probably  be  loine 
years  before  the  attempt  is  repeated  j  but  whenever 
it  is,  and  the  execution  of  it  carried  on  with  pro- 
priety, thofe  who  are  fo  fortunate  as  to  fuccced,  will 
reap,  exclufive  of  the  national  advantages  that  muft 
enfue,  emoluments  beyond  their  moft  languinc  ex- 
pe6lations.  And  whilll  their  fpirits  are  elated  by 
their  fuccffs,  perhaps  they  may  bellow  fome  com- 
mendations and  bieiTmgs  on  the  perfon  who  firft 
pointed  out  to  them  the  way.  Thefe,  though  but 
a  fhadowy  recompence  for  all  my  toil,  I  fhall  receive 
with  pleafure. 

To  what  power  or  authority  this  new  world  will 
become  dependant,  after  it  has  arifen  from  its  pre- 
sent uncultivated  ftate,  time  alone  can  difcover. 
But  as  the  feat  of  empire  from  time  immemorial 
has  been  gradually  progrelTive  towards  the  weft, 
there  is  no  doubt  but  that  at  fome  future  period, 
mighty  kingdoms  will  emerge  from  thefe  wiidcr- 
neffes,  and  ftateiy  palaces  and  folemn  temples,  with 
gilded  fpires  reaching  the  Ikies,  fupplant  the  Indian 
huts,  whofe  only  decorations  are  the  barbarous  tro- 
phies of  their  vanquifhed  enemies. 

As  fome  of  the  preceding  paflages  have  already 
informed  the  reader  that  the  plan  I  had  laid  down  for 
penetrating  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  proved  abortive, 
it  is  neceiiary  to  add,  that  this  proceeded  not  from 
its  impracticability  (for  the  further  I  went  the  more 
convinced  I  was  that  it  could  certainly  be  accom- 


INTRODUCTION. 


h  an  cn- 
ained  by 
It?      But 
e  had  the 
will  fomc 
It.    From 
t  between 
T  be  I'oine 
whenever 
with  pro- 
ceed, will 
that  muft 
guinc  ex- 
elated  by 
jme  com- 
who   firft 
hough  but 
all  receive 


vorld  will 
m  Its  pre- 

difcover. 
imcmoria! 
the  weft, 
•e  period, 
e  wiidcr- 
plcs,  with 

le  Indian 
arous  tro- 


e  already 
3  down  for 
abortive, 
not  from 
:  the  more 
e  accom- 


pliftied)  but  from  unforefccndifappointments.  Hnv  -  . 
ever,  I  proceeded  fo  far,  that  I  v/as  able  to  make 
fuch  difcovcries  as  will  be  ufcful  in  any  future  at- 
tempt, and  prove  a  good  foundation  for  fome  more 
fortunate  fucceflbr  to  build  upon.     Thefe  I   Ihall 
now  lay  bcfcre  the  public  in  the  following  pages; 
and  am  fatisfied  that  the  greatefl  part  of  them  have 
never  been  publifhed   by  any  pcrfon  that  has  hi- 
therto treated  of  the  interior  nations  of  the  Indians; 
particularly,  the  account  I  give  of  the  Naudowcffies, 
and  the  fituation  of  the  heads  of  the  four  great  rivers 
that  take  their   rife  within  a  few  leagues  of  each 
other,  nearly  about  the  centre  of  this  great  conti- 
nent; viz.    The  river  Bourbon,  which  empties  itfelf 
into Hudfon's  Bay;  the  waters  of  Saint  Lawrence; 
the  MiiTilTippi,  and  the  River  Oregan,  or  the  River 
of  the  weft,  that  falls  into  the  Pacific  Ocean,  at  the 
Straits  of  Annian, 

The  Impediments  that  occafioned  my  return,  be- 
fore I  had  accompliftied  my  purpofes,  were  thefe. 
On  my  arrival  at  Michillimackinac,  the  remoteft 
Englifh  poft,  in  September  1766,  I  applied  to  Mr. 
Rogers,  who  was  then  governor  of  it,  to  furnifh  me 
wiuh  a  proper  afibrtmcnt  of  goods,  as  prefents  for 
the  Indians  who  inhabit  the  track  1  intended  to 
*  purfue.  He  did  this  only  in  part;  but  promifed  to 
fupply  me  with  fuch  as  weie  neccfiary,  when  I 
reached  the  Falls  of  Saint  Anthony.  I  afterwards 
learned  that  the  governor  fulfilled  his  promife  in 
ordering  the  goods  to  be  delivered  to  me ;  but  thofe 
to  whole  care  he  intrufted  them,  inftead  of  conform- 
ing to  his  orders,  difpofed  of  them  elfewhcre. 

Difappointed  in  my  expectations  from  this  quar- 
ter, I  thought  it  neceffary  to  return  to  La  Prairie 
Le  Chien;  for  it  v^ras  impoftlble  to  proceed  any  fur- 
*ther  without  prefents  to  enfure  me  a  favorably  re- 


VI 


INTRODUCTION. 


ceptlon.  This  I  did  in  tlie  beginning  of  the  year 
17  jy,  and  tiiiding  my  progrcfs  to  the  welhvard  thus 
rtL  irded,  I  determined  to  dire(!il  my  courfe  north- 
ward. I  took  tins  Hep  with  a  view  of  finding  a 
C(.ir,n  u rication  from  the  heads  of  the  Miflifllppi, 
in;-'  Lake  Superior,  in  order  to  meet,  at  the  grand 
P  .fcige  on  the  north-vvtft  fide  of  that  lake,  the 
tra.h  r.s  that  ufually  comr,  about  this  feafon,  from 
MirhiiJimackinac.  Of  thefe  I  intended  to  purchafe 
goods,  and  then  to  purliie  my  journey  from  that 
quarter,  by  way  of  the  lakes  du  Pluye,  Dubois, 
aiid  Ounipique  to  the  heads  of  the  liver  of  the 
v/eft,  which,  as  I  have  faid  before^  falls  inco  the 
Straits  of  Annian,  the  teimination  of  my  intended 
progrefs. 

I  acccmpliilied  the  former  part  of  my  defign,  and 
reached  Lake  Superior  in  prop'*r  time;  but  unluc- 
kily the  traders  I  met  the'e,  acquainted  me  that  they 
had  no  goods  to  fpare  -,  thofe  they  had  with  them 
being  barely  fufficient  to  anfwer  their  own  demands 
in  thrfe  remote  p:.rts.  Thus  difappointed  a  fecond 
time,  I  found  myfelf  obliged  to  return  to  the  place 
from  whence  1  began  my  expedition,  which  I  did 
after  continuing  fome  months  on  the  north  and  eafl: 
borders  of  Lake  Superior,  and  exploring  th.e  bays 
an.i  rivers  that  empty  themklve5  into  this  large  body 


of  water. 


As  it  may  be  expe6led  that  I  fliould  lay  before 
the  public  the  rcafons  that  thefe  difoveries,  offo 
jm'ich  importance  to  everyone'  who  has  any  con- 
ne-^tioos  with  America,  have  not  been  imparted  to 
thrin  before,  notwithilandlng  they  v/cre  made  up- 
wards of  ten  years  ago,  I  will  give  them  to  the  world 
in  a  plain  and  candid  manner,  and  without  mingling 
with  them  any  complaints  on  account  of  the  ill  treat- 
n)ent  I  have  received. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Vll' 


On  my  arrival  in  England,  I  preftntfd  a  petition 
to  his  majeily  in  council,  praying  tcr   a  iciniburfc- 
ment  of  thole  funis   1  had  cxj-cndcd  in  tlie    fervice 
of  government.    This  was  rcicrrcd  to  the  lords  com- 
niilhoners  of  tiadc  and  plantatic.-nc.     1  htir  icrdlhips 
from  the  tenor  of  ic  thought  the  inteijioence  1  coukl 
give,  of  i'o   much   in.p;)rtance   to    tlic  nation,  that 
ihey  ordered  me  to  appear  before  the  board.     This 
meifage  I  obeyed,  and  underwent  a  long  examina- 
tion j  much   I  believe   to  the    i'ani'a(^l:ion  of  every 
lordprefcnt.     \V  lien  it  was   finilLe'J,  1  rcquefied  to 
l;now  what  I  fiiould  do  with  my  p-apcrs;  v/ithouc 
liefication  the  firll  lord  replied,    liiai  I  mi^i^iii:  pnb- 
liih  them  whenever  I  plcafed.     In  confcquence  of 
this  permilTion,  1  difpolcJ  of  them  to  a  bookfciler; 
but  when  they  were  nearly  ready  fjr   the  prefs,  an 
order  was  iffued  from  the  council  board,  requiring 
me  to  deliver,    witliouc  delay,    into  the  plantation 
office,  all  my  charts  and  journals,  v/ith  every  paper 
relative  to  the  difcoveries  I  had  made.     In  order  to 
obey  this  command,  I   was  obliged  to  re-purchafc 
them  from  the  bookfciler  at  a  very    great  expence, 
and   deliver  them    up.     This  fiefii  cifbii-fcment  I 
endeavoured  to  get  annexed  to  the  account  I  had  al- 
ready delivered  in;  but  the  requeil  was  denied  nie, 
notVr'irhllanding  1  had  only  acted,  in  the  difpofal  of 
my  papers,  confomiably  to  the  permiflion   I  had- 
r-cceived  from  the  board  of  trade.     This  lofs,   which 
amounted  to  a  vtry  confiderabie  fiim.,  I  was  obliged' 
to  bear,  and  to  rclL  faiiii^hed  with  an  indemnincation 
for  my  other  expencrs. 

Thus  fituatcd,  my  only  expcftations  are  ficm 
the  favor  of  a  generous  public;  to  whom  I  fiiall  now 
communicate  my  ph^ins,  journals,  and  cbfervations, 
of  which  I  luchiiy  kep.t  copies,  v/jien  I  delivered  the 
originals  into  tliC  [.lactation  office.  And  this  1  do 
the  moi  c  itadiiv,.  as  I   hear  thcv  are' ir.iiiaivl ;  and 


'*] 


v£i 


INTRODUCTION. 


¥" 


'■ft        ' 


there  is  no  probability  of  their  ever  being  publilhcd. 
To  t ho fe  who  arc  intereftcd  in  the  concerns  of  the 
interior  parts  of  North-America,  from  the  conti- 
guity of  their  pofleflions^  or  commercial  cngage- 
raencs,  they  will  be  extremely  ufeful,  and  fully  re- 
pay the  fum  at  which  they  are  purchafcd.  To  thofe, 
who,  from  a  laudable  curiofity,  wifh  to  be  acquaint- 
ed With  the  manners  and  cuftoms  of  every  inhabitant 
of  this  globe,  the  accounts  here  given  of  the  various- 
nations  that  inhabit  fo  vaft  a  tradl  of  it,  a  country 
hitherto  almoll  unexplored,  will  furnifh  an  ample 
fund  of  amufement,  and  gratify  their  moft  curious 
expe6tations.  And  I  flatter  myfclf  they  will  be  as 
favorably  received  by  the  public,  as  defcriptions  of 
iflands,  which  afford  no  other  entertainment  than 
what  arilcs  from  their  novelty;  and  difcovcries, 
that  fcem  to  promife  very  few  advantages  to  this 
country,  though  acquired  at  an  immenfe  expence. 

To  make  the  following  work  as  comprehenfible 
and  entertaining  as  poflible,  I  fliall  firft  give  my 
readers  an  account  of  the  route  I  purfued  over  this 
immenfe  continent,  and  as  I  pafs  on,  defcribe  the 
niiuiber  of  inhabitants,  the  fituation  of  the  rivers 
and  lakes,  and  the  productions  of  the  country. 
Having  done  this,  I  fhall  treat,  in  diftindt  chapters, 
of  tlie  manners,  cuftoms,  and  languages  of  the  In- 
dians, and  to  complete  the  whole,  add  a  vocabulary 
of  the  words  moftly  in  ufe  among  them. 

And  here  it  is  necefiary  to  befpeak  the  candor  of 
the  learned  part  of  my  readers  in  the  perufalofit, 
as  it  is  the  produdion  of  a  perfon  unufed,  from  op- 
pofite  avocations,  to  literary  purfuits.  He  therefore 
begs  they  would  not  examine  it  with  too  critical  an 
eye;  efpeciully  when  he  afiurcs  them  that  his  atten- 
tion has  been  more  employed  on  giving  a  juft  dcf-' 
criptionof  a  country  that  promifts,  in  fome  future 


INTRODUCTION. 


U 


period,  to  be  an  inexhauftible  fource  of  riches  to 
that  people  who  Ihall  be  fo  fortunate  as  to  DofTefs  it, 
than  on  the  ftyle  or  compofition  j  and  more  careful 
to  render  his  language  intelligible  and  explicit,  than 
fmooth  and  florid. 


B 


JOURNAL 


OF       THE 


TRAVELS, 


WITH       A 


DESCRIPTION 


OF       THE 


COUNTRY,  LAKES,  &c. 


JLn  June  1766,  I  fet  out  from  Bofton,  and 
proceeded  by  way  of  Albany  and  Niagara,  to  Mi- 
chillimackinac  i  a  fort  fituated  between  the  Lakes 
Huron  and  Michigan,  and  diftant  from  Bofton  1300 
miles.  This  being  the  uttermoft  of  our  factories 
towards  the  north-weft,  J  confidered  it  as  the  moft 
convenient  place  from  whence  I  could  be^in  my  in- 
tended progrefs,  and  enter  at  once  into  the  regions  I 
defigned  to  explore. 

Referring  my  readers  to  the  publications  already 
extant  for  an  account  of  thofe  parts  of  North- Ame- 
rica, that,  from  lying  adjacent  to  the  back  fettle- 
ments,  have  been  frequently  defcribed,  I  (hall  con- 
liacmyfeifto  adefcriptionof  the  more  interior  parts 


14 


♦carver's  travels. 


of  it,  which,  having  been  but  feldom  vifitcd,  arc 
confequcntly  but  little  known.  In  doing  this,  I  (hall 
in  no  inftance  exceed  the  bounds  of  truth,  or  have 
recourfe  to  thofc  ufelcfs  and  extravagant  exaggera- 
tions too  often  made  ufe  of  by  travellers,  to  excite 
the  curiofity  of  the  public,  or  to  iticreafe  their  own 
importance.  Nor  Ihall  I  infcrt  any  obfervations, 
but  fuch  as  I  have  made  myfelf,  or  from  the  credi- 
bility of  thofe  by  whom  they  were  related,  am  ena- 
bled to  vouch  for  their  authenticity. 

Michillimackinac,  from  whence  I  began  my  tra- 
vels, is  a  fort  compofed  of  a  ftrong  ftockade,  and 
is  ufually  defended  by  a  garrifon  of  one  hundred 
men.  It  contains  about  thirty  houfes,  one  of  which 
belongs  to  the  governor,  and  another  to  the  com- 
miflary.  Several  traders  alfo  dwell  within  its  for- 
tifications, who  find  it  a  convenient  fituation  to 
traffic  with  the  neighbouring  nations.  Michillimac^ 
kinac,  in  the  language  of  the  Chipeway  Indiansj, 
fignifies  a  Tortoifej  and  the  place  is  fuppofed 
to  receive  its  name  from  an  ifland,  lying  about  fix 
or  feven  miles  to  north-eap-,  within  fight  of  the 
fort,  which  has  the  appearance  of  that  animal. 

During  the  Indian  war  that  followed  foon  after 
theconqueft  of  Canada  in  the  year  1763,  and  which 
was  carried  on  by  an  army  of  confederate  nations, 
compofed  of  the  Hurons,  Miamies,  Chipeways, 
Qtcowaws,  Pontpwattimies,  Miffiffauges,  and  fome 
other  tribes,  under  the  direftion  of  Pontiac,  a  ce-, 
lebrated  Indian  warrior,  who  had  always  been  in 
the  French  intcrcft,  it  was  taken  by  furprize  in 
the  following  manner:  The  Indians  having  fettled 
their  plan,  drew  near  the  fort,  and  began  a  game 
at  ball,  a  paftime  much  ufed  among  them,  and  not 
unlike  tennis.  In  the  height  of  their  game,  at. 
which  feme   of  the  Englifh  officers,  not  fufpefting 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


»J 


any  deceit,  ftood  looking  on,  they  ftruck  the  ball, 
as  if  by  accident,  over  the  ftockadc  j  this  they  re- 
peated two  or  three  time,  to  make  the  deception 
more  complete  i  till  at  length,  having  by  this  means 
lulled  every  fufpicion  of  the  centry  at  the  fouth  gate, 
a  party  ruihed  by  him  >  and  the  reft  foon  following, 
they  took  poflcflTion  of  the  fort,  without  meeting 
with  any  oppofition.  Having  accompliflicd  their 
defign,  the  Indians  had  the  humanity  to  fpare  the 
lives  of  the  greateft  part  of  the  garrifon  and  traders, 
but  they  made  them  all  prifoners,  and  carried  them 
off.  However,  fome  time  after  they  took  them  to 
Montreal,  where  they  were  redeemed  at  a  good 
price.  The  fort  alfo  was  given  up  again  to  the  En- 
glifh  at  the  peace  made  with  Pontiac,  by  the  com- 
jnander  of  Detroit  the  year  following. 

Having  here  made  the  necelfary  difpofitions  for 
purfuing  my  travels,  and  obtained  a  credit  from 
Mr.  Rogers,  the  governor,  on  fome  Englifh  and 
Canadian  traders,  who  were  going  to  trade  on  the 
Miffiflippi,  and  received  alfo  from  him  a  promife  of 
a  frefli  fupply  of  goods  when  I  reached  the  falls  of 
Saint  Anthony,  I  left  the  fort  on  the  3d  of  Sep- 
tember, in  company  with  thefe  traders.  It  was 
agreed  that  they  Ihould  furnifli  me  with  fuch  goods 
as  I  might  want,  for  prefents  to  the  Indian  chiefs, 
during  my  continuance  with  them,  agreeable  to  tlie 
governor's  order.  But  when  I  arrived  at  the  extent 
of  their  route,  I  vvas  to  find  other  guides,  and  to  de- 
pend on  the  goods  the  governor  had  promifed  to 
fupply  me  with. 

We  accordingly  fet  out  together,  and  on  the  i8th 
arrived  at  Fort  La  Ray.  This  fort  is  fituated  on  the 
fouchern  extremity  of  a  bay  in  Lake  Michigan, 
termed  by  the  French,  the  bay  of  Piiants ;  but 
which  fir^ce  the  Englifli  have  gained  poffeiiiun  of  all 


I# 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


I 


the  fettlemcnts  on  this  part  of  the  continent,  is  called 
by  chcnj,  the  Green  Bay.  The  realbn  of  its  being 
thus  denominated,  is  from  its  appearance  j  for  on 
leaving  Michillimackinac  in  the  fprinc  feafon, 
though  the  trees  there  have  not  even  put  forth  their 
buds,  yet  you  find  the  country  around  La  Bay,  not- 
vvithftanding  the  pafTage  has  not  exceeded  fourteen 
days,  covered  with  the  fineft  verdure,  and  vegeta- 
tion as  forward  as  it  could  be  were  it  fummcr. 

This  fort  is  alfo  only  furrnunded  by  a  ftockade, 
and  being  much  decayed,  is  fcarcely  dcfenfible  againft 
fmall  arms.  It  was  built  by  the  French  for  the 
protedlion  of  their  trade,  fome  time  before  they  were 
forced  to  relinquifh  it  j  and  when  Canada  and  its  de- 
pendencies were  furrendered  to  the  Englifli,  it  was 
immcdiattly  garrifoned  with  ar  officer  and  thirty 
men.  Thefe  wtre  made  prifoners  by  tlie  Menomo- 
nies  foon  after  the  furprife  of  Michillimackinac,  and 
the  fort  has  neitlier  been  garrifoned  nor  kept  in  repair 
fmce. 

The  bay  is  about  ninety  miles  long,  but  differs 
much  i^i  its  breadth  j  being  in  fome  places  only  fif- 
teen miles,  in  orhers  from  twenty  to  thirty.  It  lies 
nearly  from  north-caft  to  fouch  wefl.  Ac  the  en- 
trance of  it  from  the  lake  are  a  llring  of  iflands, 
extending  from  north  to  fouth,  called  the  Grand 
Traverfe.  Thefe  are  about  thirty  miles  in  length, 
and  ferve  to  facilitate  the  paffage  ^f  canoes,  as  they 
iheker  them  from  the  winds,  which  fometimes 
come  with  violence  acrofs  the  Lake.  On  the  fid€ 
that  lie:s  to  the  fouth-eafl:  is  the  nsareft  and  bell  na- 
vigation. 

The  iflands  of  the  Grand  Traverfe  are  moflly 
fmall  and  rocky.  Many  of  the  rocks  are  of  an 
amazing  fize,  and  appear  as  if  they  jiad  been  fafhi- 


e  A  R  V  £  R's    T  R  A  V  E  t  S.  f; 

oncd  by  the  hands  of  artifts.     On  the  largeft:  and  bcfi 
of  thcfc  iflands   ftands   a   town  of  the  Ottawaws, 
at  which  I   found  one   of   the  nnoft  confiderablc 
chiefs  of  that  natron,  who  received  me  with  every 
honour  he  could  poflibly  (how  to  a  ft  ranger.     But 
what  appeared  extremely  lingular  to  me  at  the  time, 
and  muft  do  fo  to  every  perfon  unacquainted  with 
the  cuftoms  of  the  Indians,  was  the  reception  I  met 
•with  on  landing.     As  our  canoes   approached  the 
Ihore,  and  had  reached  within  about  threefcore  rods 
of  it,  the  Indians  began  a  fcu-de-joy ;  in  which  they 
fired  their  pieces  loaded  with  balls  j  but  at  the  fame 
time  they  took  care  to  difcharge  them  in  fuch   a 
manner  as  to  fly  a  few  yards  above  our  heads :  during 
this  they  ran  from  one  tree  or  ftump  to  another, 
lliouting  and  behaving  as  if  they  were  in  the  heat  of 
battle.     At  firft  I  was  greatly  furprifed,  and  was  on 
the  pomt  of  ordering  my  attendants  to   return  their 
fire,  concluding  that  their  intentions  were  hoftilc  ; 
but  being  undeceived  by  fome  of  the  traders,  who 
informed  me  that  this  was  their  ufual  method  of  re- 
ceiving th'c  chiefs  of  orther  nations,  I  confidcred  it  in 
its  true  light,  and  was  plcafed  with  the  refpc6t  thuij 
paid  me. 

I  fcitiained  here  one  night.  Among  the  prefcnts 
I  made  the  chiefs,  were  fome  fpirituous  liquors  i  with 
which  they  made  themfelves  merry,  and  all  joined 
in  a  dance,  that  Lifted  the  greateft  part  of  the  night. 
In  the  morning  when  I  departed,  the  chief  attended 
me  to  the  ftiore,  and,  as  foon  as  I  had  embarked, 
offered  Up,  in  an  audible  voice,  and  with  great  fo- 
lemnity,  a  fervent  prayer  in  my  behalf.  He  prayed 
"  that  the  great  fpirit  would  favor  me  with  a  prof- 
perous  voyage  j  that  he  would  give  me  an  unclouded 
fky,  and  fmooth  waters,  by  ddy,  and  that  I  might 
lie  down,  by  night,  on  a  beaver  blanket,  enjoying 
uninterrupted  fleep,  and  pleafant  dreams;  and  alfo 


t6 


CARVEA's    TRAVELS. 


i  'I 


that  I  might  find  continual  protcdliou  under  the  great 
pipe  of  peace."  In  this  manner  he  continued  his 
petitions  till  1  could  no  longer  hear  them. 

I  muft  here  obferve,  that  notwithftanding  the 
inhabitants  of  Europe  are  apt  to  entertain  horrid 
ideas  of  the  ferociiy  of  thefc  favagcs,  as  they  arc 
termed,  I  received  from  every  tribe  of  them  in  th«5 
interior  parts,  the  moft  hofpitable  and  courteous 
treatment i  and  am  convinced,  that  till  they  arc 
contaminated  by  the  example,  and  fpirituous  liquors 
of  their  more  refined  neighbours,  they  retain  this 
friendly  and  inoffcnfive  condudb  towards  ftrangers. 
Their  inveteracy  and  cruelty  to  their  enemies,  I 
acknowledge  to  be  a  great  abatement  of  the  favora- 
ble opinion  I  would  wifh  to  entertain  of  them;  buc 
this  failing  is  hereditary,  and  having  received  the 
fanftion  of  immemorial  cuftom,  has  taken  too  deep 
root  in  their  minds  to  be  eafily  extirpated. 

Among  this  people  I  eat  of  a  very  uncommon 
kind  of  bread.  The  Indians,  in  general,  ufe  but 
little  of  this  nutritious  food:  whilft  their  corn  is  in 
the  milk,  as  they  term  it,  that  is,  juft  before  it  be- 
gins to  ripen,  they  (lice  ofl^  the  kernels  from  the 
cob  to  which  they  grow,  and  knead  them  into  a, 
pafte.  This  they  are  enabled  co  do  without  the  ad- 
dition of  any  liquid,  by  the  milk  that  flows  from 
them  i  and  when  it  is  efi^efted,  they  parcel  it  out  into 
cakes,  and  enclofing  them  in  leaves  of  the  baflwood 
tree,  place  them  in  hot  embers;  where  they  are  foon 
baked.  And  better  flavored  bread  I  never  eat  in 
any  country. 

This  place  is  only  a  fmall  village  containing  about 
twenty-five  houfes  and  fixty  or  fcventy  warri- 
ors. I  found  nothing  there  worthy  of  further  re- 
mark. 


r 


CARVER'*    T  R  A  VsE  L  S. 


»7 


The  land  on  the  fouth-eaft  fide  of  the  Green  Bay, 
ts  but  very  indifferent,  being  overfprcad  with  a 
heavy  growth  of  hemlock,  pine,  fpruce,  and  fir 
trees.  The  communication  between  Lake  Michi- 
gan and  the  Green  Bay,  has  been  reported  by  lomc 
to  be  impracticable  for  the  paflagc  ot  any  vcffels  lar- 
ger than  canoes  or  boats,  on  account  of  the  fhoalg 
that  lie  between  the  iflands  in  the  Grand  Traverfc; 
but  on  founding  it  I  found  fufficicnt  depth  for  a 
vefTcl  of  fixty  tons,  and  the  breadth  proportionable^ 

The  land  adjoining  to  the  bottom  of  this  bay  is 
very  fertile,    the  country Sn  general  level,    and  th<. 
perfpcCtivc  view  of  it  pleafing  and  cxtcnfivcrf 

A  few  families  live  in  the  fort,  which  lies  oft  thej 
weft  fide  of  the  Fox  River,  anid  oppofite  to  it,  on 
the  eaft  fide  of  its  entrance^  are  fome  French  fet- 
tlers  who  cultivate  the  land,  and  appear  to  live  very* 
comfortably. 

The  Green  Bay  or  Bay  of  Piiants  is  one  of  thofe! 
places  lo  which  the  French,  as  I  have  mentioned 
in  the  introdudion,  have  given  nicknames.  It  is 
termed  by  the  inhabitants  of  its  coafts,  the  Mf  no- 
monie  Bay;  but  why  the  French  have  denominated 
it  the  Puan'c  or  Stinking  Bay,  I  know  not.  The 
reafon  they  themfelves  gave  for  it  is,  that  it  was  not 
with  a  view  to  miflead  ftrangers,  but  that  by  adopt- 
ing this  method,  they  could  converfe  with  each 
other  concerning  the  Indians,  in  their  prefents, 
without  being  underftood  by  them.  For  it  was  re- 
marked by  the  perfons  who  firft  tra^ded  among  them, 
that  when  they  were  fpeaking  to  each  other  about 
them,  and  mentioned  their  proper  names,  they 
inftantly  grew  fufpicious,  and  concluded  that  their 
vifitors  were  cither  fpeaking  ill  of  them,  or  plotv 

C 


i8 


C  A  R  V  E  R '  3    TRAVELS. 


ting  their  deftruftion.  To  remedy  this  they  gave 
tiitm  lomc  other  name.  'I'he  only  bad  confcqucnce 
ariiing  from  the  pra61:icc  then  introduced  is,  that 
Engiiih  and  French  geographers,  in  their  plans  of 
the  Interior  parts  of  America,  give  different  names 
to  the  fame  people,  and  thereby  perplex  thofc  who 
have  oecafion  to  refer  to  them. 

Lake  Michigan,  of  which  the  Green  Bay  is  a  party 
is  divided  on  the  north-eaft  from  Lake  Huron  by 
the  Straits  of  Michiilimackir.aci  and  is  fuuated  be- 
tween forty-two  and  furty-fix  degrees  of  latitude,, 
and  between  eighty- four  and  eighty-fcven  degrees 
ci  wefc. longitude,  its  greateft  length  is  two  hun- 
dred and  eighty  miles,  its  breadth  al:)out  forty,  and 
its  circumference  nearly  fix  hundred.  There  is  a- 
rernarkable  llring  of  fmall  iflands,  beginning  over 
againft  Afkin'sfarm,  and  running  about  thirty  miles 
fouth-weft  into  the  Lake.  Thefe  are  called  the 
Beaver  Ifiands.  ^"heir  fituation  is  very  pleafant, 
but  the  foil  is  bare.  However  they  afford  a  beauti- 
ful prolpc<ft.  * 

On  the  north-weft  parts  of  this  lake  the  waters 
branch  out  into  two  bays.  That  which  lies  towards 
the  north  is  the  Bay  of  Noquets.,  and  the  other  the 
Green  Bay  juR  defcribed. 

The  waiters  of  this  as  well  as  the  other  great 
lakes  are  clear  and  wholefome,  and  of  fufiicient 
depth  for  the  navigation  of  large  Ihips.  Half  the 
fp?.'"'^'  of  the  country  that  lies  to  the  eaft,  and  ex- 
tends to  Lake  Huron,  belonos  to  the  Ottowaw  In- 
dians.  The  line  that  divides  their  territories  from 
the  Chipeways,  runs  nearly  north  and  fouth,  and 
reaches  almoft  from  the  fouthern  extremicy  of  this 
lake,  acrofs  the  high  lands,  to  Michillimackinac, 
through  the  centire  of  which  it  paffes.     So  that  when 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


19 


thefe  two  tribes  happen  to  meet  at  tlie  ta6tory>  they 
each  encamp  on  tiieir  own  dominions,  at  a  few  yardi 
duhnce  from  the  iiockade. 

The  country  adjacent  either  to  tl>e  eafi:  or  weifi: 
fide  of  this  lake,  is  cornpofcd  but  of  an  indilfercn: 
foil,  except  where  fmall  brooks  or  jivexs  empty 
thenirdves  into  it^  on  the  banks  of  tlicfe  it  is  ex- 
tremely fertiitr.  Near  the  borders  of  the  lake  grow 
a  rr^at  number  of  land  cherries,  which  are  not  lefs 
remarkable  for  their  manner  of  growth,  than  for 
their  exquifite  flavor.  They  grow  upon  a  fmall 
fhrub,  not  more  than  four  feet  high,  the  boughs 
of  which  are  (o  loaded  that  they  lie  in  cluHcrs  oh 
the  fand.  As  they  grow  only  on  the  fand,  the 
warmth  of  which  probably  contributes  to  bring 
fhem  to  fuch  periedlion;  they  are  called  by  the 
French,  cherries  dc  fable,  or  fand  cherries.  The 
fize  of  them  docs  not  exceed  that  of  a  fmall  mufket 
ball,  but  they  are  reckcned  fuperior  to  any  other 
fort  for  the  purpofe  of  ftceping  in  fpirits.  There 
alfo  grow  around  the  lake,  goofeberries,  black  cur-^ 
rants,  afltl  an  abundance  of  juniper,  bearing  great 
-quantities  of  berries  of  the  fineft  fort. 

Sumack  likcwife  grows  here  in  ^reat  pknty-j 
the  leaf  of  which,  gathered  at  Michaelmas,  whc-n  i: 
turns  red,  is  much  efbeemed  by  the  natives..  They 
mix  about  an  equal  quantity  of  it  with  their  tobac^ 
CO,  wiiich  caufes  it  to  fmoke  plcafandy.  Near  this 
lake,  and  indeed  about  all  the  great  i.ikf  s,  is  found 
a  kind  of  willow,  termed  by  the  French,  bcis  rouge, 
in  Englilh,  red  wood.  It.  baric,  wnen  only  of  one 
years  growth,  is  of  a  line  fcariei:  coiour,  ana  appears 
.'f^ry  beautiful;  but  jis  it  grows  oLUr,  is:  changes  into 
a  mixture  of  i2;rev  and  red.  Tlie  Itaiks  of  this 
forub  grow  many  of  them  together,  and  rife  to  the 
iieight  of  fix  or  eight  feet,  the  largeit  not  exceeding 


10 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


^n  inch  diameter.  The  bark  being  fcraped  from 
fhe  fticks,  and  dried  and  powdered,  is  alio  mixed 
by  the  Indians  with  their  tobacco,  and  is  held  by 
them  in  the  higheft  eftimation  for  their  winter  fmok- 
jng.  A  weed  that  grows  near  the  great  lakes,  in 
rocky  places;  they  ufe  in  the  fummer  fcafon.  It 
is  called  by  the  Indians,  Segockimac,  and  creeps 
Jike  a  vine  on  the  ground,  fometimes  extending  to 
eight  or  ten  feet,  and  bearing  a  leaf  about  the  fize 
of  a  filver  penny,  nearly  round  j  it  is  of  the  fub- 
ftance  and  colour  of  the  laurel,  and  is,  like  the  tree 
it  refembles,  an  evergreen.  Thefe  leaves,  dried 
and  powdered,  they  likcwifc  mix  with  their  lo- 
baceoj  and  as  faid  before,  fmoke  it  only  during  the 
fummer.  By  thefe  three  fuccedaneums,  the  pipes 
of  the  Indians  arc  well  fupplied  through  every  fea- 
fon  of  the  year;  and  as  they  are  great  fmokers, 
they  are  very  careful  in  properly  gathering  and  pre- 
paring them. 

On  the  20th  of  September  I  left  the  Green  Bay, 
and  proceeded  up  Fox  River,  ftill  in  company 
with  the  traders  and  fome  Indians.  On  the  25th 
I  arrived  at  the  great  town  of  the  Winnebagoes, 
fituated  on  a  fmall  ifland,  juft  as  you  enter  the  eaft 
end  of  Lake  Winnebago.  Here  the  queen  who 
prelided  over  this  tribe  inftead  of  a  Sachem,  received 
me  with  great  civility,  and  entertained  me  in  a  very 
jdiftinguifhed  manner,  during  the  four  days  I  conti- 
fiued  with  her. 

The  day  after  my  arrival  I  held  a  council  with 
the  chiefs,  of  whom  I  alked  permiiTion  to  pafs 
through  their  country,  in  my  way  to  more  remote 
nations,  on  bufinefs  of  importance.  This  was  rea- 
dily granted  me,  the  requeft  being  eftecmed  by 
them  as  a  great  compliment  paid  to  their  tribe. 
The  queen  f4t  in  the  council,  but  only  afked  a  few 


CARVETl's    TRAVELS. 


XI 


lore  remote 
lis  was  rea- 


queftions,  or  gave  fomc  trifling  dircftions  in  matters 
relative  to  the  fiatc ;  for  women  are  never  allowed 
to  fit  hi  their  councils,  except  they  happen  to  be 
inyeited  wich  the  fuprcme  authority,  and  then  it 
is  not  cuftomary  for  them  to  make  any  formal 
fpccches  as  the  chiefs  do.  She  was  a  very  ancient 
woman,  fmall  in  Itaturc,  and  not  much  diftinguifti- 
ed  by  her  drefs  from  feveral  young  women  that  at- 
tended her.  Thefe  her  attendants  feemed  greatly 
plcaltd  whenever  I  fhowed  any  tokens  of  refpedt  to 
their  queen,  particularly  when  I  falutcd  her,  which 
I  frequently  did  to  acquire  her  favour.  On  thefe 
occafionii  the  good  old  lady  endeavoured  to  afTume 
a  juvenile  oraiety,  and  by  her  fmiles  Ihowed  fhe 
was  equally  pleafedwith  the  attention  I  paid  her. 

The  time  I  tarried  here,  I  employed  in  making 
the  beft  obfervations  polTible  on  the  country,  and 
in  colle<5ling  the  moil  certain  intelligence  I  could, 
of  the  origin,  language,  and  culloms  of  this  people. 
From  thefe  enquiries  I  have  reafon  to  conclude, 
tliat  the  Winnebagoes  originally  refided  in  fome  of 
the  provinces  belonging  to  New  Mexico,  and  being 
driven  from  their  native  country,  either  by  inteftinc 
divifions,  or  by  the  extenfions  of  the  Spanifh  con- 
quells,  they  took  refuge  in  thefe  more  northern 
parts  about  a  century  ago. 

My  reafons  for  adopting  this  fuppofition,  are, 
Firft,  from  their  unalienable  attachment  to  the 
Nsudowelfie  Indians  (who,  they  fay,  gave  them  the 
earliell  fuccors  during  their  emigration)  noiwith- 
ftanding  their  prefent  refidcnce  is  more  than  fix 
hundred  miles  dillant  from  that  people. 

Secondly,  that  their  dialed  totally  differs  from 
every  other  Indian  nation  yet  difcovered;  it  being 
A  very  uncouth,  guttural  jargon,  which  none  of 
their  neighbours  will  attempt  to  learn.     They  con- 


T.2 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


verfe  with  other  nations  in  the  Chipeway  tongue, 
which  is  the  prevailing  language  throughout  all 
the  tribes,  from  the  Mohawks  of  Canada,  to  thofc 
who  inhabit  the  borders  of  the  Mifliflippi,  and  from 
the  Hurons  and  Illinois  to  fuch  as  dwell  near  liud- 
fon's  Bay. 

Thirdly,  from  their  inveterate  hatred  to  the  Spa- 
niards. Some  of  them  informed  me  that  they  had 
many  cxcurfionsf  to  the  fouth-weft,  which  took  up 
feveral  moons.  An  elderly  chief  more  particularly 
acquainted  nie,  that  about  forty- fix  winters  ago, 
he  marched  at  the  head  of  fifty  warriors,  towards 
the  fou'h- weft,  for  three  moons.  That  during  this 
expedition,  whilft  they  were  crofling  a  plain,  they 
difcovered  a  body  of  men  on  horfeback,  who  be- 
longed to  the  Black  People ;  for  fo  they  call  the 
Spaniards.  As  foon  as  they  perceived  them,  they 
proceeded  with  caution,  and  concealed  themfclves 
till  night  came  onj  when  they  drew  fo  near  as  to  be 
be  able  to  difcern  the  number  and  fituation  of  their 
enemies.  Finding  they  were  not  able  to  cope  with 
fo  great  a  fuperiority  by  day-light,  they  waited  till 
they  had  retired  to  reft;  when  they  ruflied  upon 
them,  and,  after  having  killed  the  greateft  part  of 
the  men,  took  eighty  horfes  loaded  with  what  they 
termed  whicc  ftone.  This  I  fuppofe  to  have  been 
filver,  as  he  told  mc  the  horfes  were  Ihod  with  it, 
and  that  their  bridles  were  ornamented  with  the 
lam?*.  When  they  had  fatiatcd  their  revenge,  they 
carried  off  their  fpoil,  and  being  got  fo  far  as  to  be 
out  of  the  reach  of  the  Spaniards  that  had  efcaped 
their  fury,  they  left  the  ulclcfs  and  ponderous  bur- 
then, widi  vvhich  the  horfes  were  loaded,  in  the 
woods,  and  mounting  themfelves,  in  this  manner 
returned  to  their  friends.  The  party  they  had  thus 
defeated,  I  conclude  to  be  the  caravan  that  annually 
conveys  to  Mexico,  the  filvcr  which  the  Spaniards^ 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


H 


find  in  great  quantities  on  the  mountains  lying  near 
the  heads  of  the  Coleredo  River :  and  the  plains 
where  the  attack  was  made,  probably,  fome  they 
were  obliged  to  pafs  over  in  their  way  to  the  head* 
of  the  River  St.  Fee,  or  Rio  del  Nord,  which 
falls  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  to  the  weft  of  the 
Miffiffippi. 

The  Winnebagoes  can  raifc  about  two  hundred 
warriors.  Their  town  contains  about  fifty  houfesy 
which  are  ftrongly  built  with  pallifades,  and  the 
ifland  on  which  it  is  fituated,  nearly  fifty  acres.  It 
lies  thirty -five  miles,  reckoning  according  to  the 
courfe  of  the  river,  from  the  Green  Bay, 

The  river,  for  about  four  or  five  miles  from  the 
bay,  has  a  gentle  current;  after  that  fpace,  till  yoir 
arrive  at  the  Winnebago  Lake,  it  is  full  of  rocks 
and  very  rapid.  At  many  places  we  were  ob- 
liged to  land  our  canoes,  and  carry  them  a  con- 
fiderable  way.  Its  breadth,  in  general,  from  the 
Green  Bay  to  the  Winnebago  Lake,  is  between^ 
fcventy  and  a  hundred  yards ;  the  land  on  its  bor- 
ders very  good,  and  thinly  wooded  with  hickory,, 
oak,  and  hazel. 

The  Winnebago  Lake  is  about  fifteen  miles  lo»g 
from  eaft  to  weft,  and  fix  miles  wide.  At  its  fouth- 
eaft  corner,  a  river  fails  into  it  that  takes  its  rife 
near  fome  of  the  northern  branches  of  the  Illinois 
River.  This  I  called  the  Crocodile  Kiver,  in  con- 
fequence  ofafl:ory  that  prevails  among  the  Indians, 
of  their  having  dcftroyed,  in  fome  part  of  it,  an  ani- 
mal, which  from  their  dcfcription  mull:  be  a  croco-' 
dilc  or  an  alligator. 

The   land  adjacent  to  the  Lake  is  very  f?rtile,- 
abounding  with  grapes,    plumbs,    and  other  fruits,. 


*4 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


which  grow  fpontancoufly.  The  Winncbagocs 
raifc  on  it  a  great  quantity  of  Indian  corn,  bcansy 
pumpkins,  fquafhcs,  a::d  water  melons,  with  fome 
tobacco.  The  Lake  itfelf  abounds  wich  fifh,  and  in 
the  fall  of  the  year,  with  geefe,  ducks,  and  teal. 
The  latter,  which  refort  to  it  in  great  numbers,  are 
remarkably  good  and  extremely  fat,  and  are  much 
better  flavored  than  thofe  that  are  found  near  the  fea, 
as  they  acquire  their  exceflive  fatnefs  by  feeding  en 
the  wild  rice,  which  grows  fo  plentifully  in  thefc 
parts. 

Having  made  fome  acceptable  prefents  to  the 
good  old  queen,  and  received  her  blefllng,  I  left  the 
town  of  the  Winnebagoes  on  the  29th  of  September, 
and  about  twelve  miles  from  k,  arrived  at  the  place 
were  the  Fox  River  enters  the  Lake  on  the  north 
fide  of  it.  We  proceeded  up  this  river,  and  on  the 
7th  of  Odlober  reached  the  great  carrying  place, 
which  divides  k  from  the  Ouifconfin. 

The  Fox  River,  from  the  Green  B^y  to  the  Car- 
rying Place,  is  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  miles. 
From  the  Winnebago  Lake  to  the  Carrying  place  the 
current  is  gentle,  and  the  depth  of  it  confiderable  ; 
notwithftanding  which,  it  is  in  fome  places  with 
difficulty  that  canoes  can  pafs  though  the  obftrudi- 
ons  they  meet  with  from  the  rice  ftalks,  which  are 
very  large  and  thick,  and  grow  here  in  great  abun- 
dance. The  country  around  it  is  very  fertile,  and 
proper  in  the  higheft  degree  for  cultivation,  except- 
ing in  fome  places  near  the  river,  where  it  is  rather 
too  low.  It  is  in  no  part  very  woody,  and  yet  can 
fupply  fufficient  to  anfwer  the  demands  of  any  num- 
ber of  inhabitants.  This  river  is  the  greateft  reform, 
of  wild  fowl  of  every  kind,  that  I  met  with  in  the 
whole  courfe  of  my  travels  j  frequently  the  fun  would 
be  obfcured  by  them  for  fom.e  minutes  together. 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS, 


i; 


About  forty  miles  up  this  riyer,  from  the  great 
town  of  the  Winnebagocs,  ftftnd?  a  fimallc;?  town  be*- 
longing  to  that  nation. 

Deer  and  bears  arc  very  numerous  in  thefe  p?.rt^, 
and  a  great  many  beavers  and  other  furs  are  taken 
on  the  ftrcams   that  empty  themfclves  into  tiiis  river. 

The  river  J  am  treating  of,  is  remarkable  for  hav- 
ing been,  about  eighty  years  ago,  the  refidence  of 
the  united  bands  of  the  Ottigaumies  and  the  Saukies, 
whom  the  French,  had  nicknamed  according  to 
tjieir  wonted  cuftom,  Dcs  Sacs  and  Des  Reynards, 
the  Sacks  and  the  Foxes,  of  whom  thp  foliowipg 
anecdote  was  related  to  me  by  an  Indian, 

About  Hxty  years  ago,  the  French  miflionarie^ 
9Jid  traders  having  received  many  infults  from  thefe 
people,  a  party  of  French  and  Indians,  under  the 
command  of  captain  Morand  marched  to  revenge 
their  wrongs.  The  captain  fet  out  from  the  Green 
Bay  in  the  winter,  when  thp y  were  unfufpicious  of 
a  vifit  of  this  kind,  and  purfuipg  his  route  over  the 
fnow  to  their  villages,  which  lay  about  fifty  ipiles 
up  the  Fox  River,  came  upon  them  by  furprife. 
Unprepared  a$  they  were,  he  found  them  an  eafy 
conqueft,  and  confcqucntly  killed  or  pok  prifoners 
the  grcateft  part  of  thcnj.  On  thp  return  of  the 
French  to  the  Green  Bay,  one  of  tl>e  Indiaq  chiefs  in 
alliance  with  them,  who  had  a  confiderablc  band  of 
the  prifoners  under  his  care,  ftoppcd  to  drink  at  a 
brook  ;  in  the  mean  time  his  conjpanicns  went  on  : 
which  being  obferved  by  one  of  the  wonien  whom 
they  had  made  captive,  fiae  fuddenly  ieized  him 
with  both  her  hands,  whilft  he  ftooped  to  drink, 
by  an  cxquifitely  fufceptible  part,  and  held  him  faft 
|i}l  )ie  expired  on  the  fpoF.    As  th^  chief  f^rom  the 


^ 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


extreme  torture  he  fuffered,  was  unable  to  call  out 
to  his  friends,  or  to  give  any  alarm,  they  pafled  on 
without  knowing  what  had  happened  ;  nnd  the  wo- 
man having  cut  the  bands  of  thofe  of  her  fellow 
prifontTS  who  were  in  the  rear,  with  them  made  her 
efcape.  This  heroine  was  ever  after  treated  by 
her  nation  as  their  deliverer,  and  made  a  chiefefs  in 
her  own  right,  with  liberty  to  entail  the  fame  honor 
on  her  defcendants  ;  an  unufual  diftin6lion,  and  per- 
mitted only  on  extraordinary  occafions. 

About  twelve  miles  before  I  reached  the  Carrying 
Place,  I  obfervedfev^ral  fmall  mountains  vi^hich  ex- 
tended quite  to  it.  Thefe  indeed  would  only  be 
cfteemed  as,  molehills,  when  compared  with  thafe 
on  the  back  of  the  colonies,  but  as  they  were  the 
firft  I  had  feen  fince  my  leaving  Niagara,  a  track  of 
nearly  eleven  hundred  miles,  I  could  not  Icgve  them 
unnoticed. 

The  Fox  River,  where  it  enters  the  Winnebago 
.  Lake,  is  about  fifty  yards  wide,  but  it  gradually  dc- 
creafes  to  the  Carrying  Place,  where  it  is  no  more 
than  five  yards  over,  except  in  a  few  places  where  it 
widens  into  fmall  lakes,  though  ftill  of  a  confidera- 
ble  depth.  I  cannot  recolleft  any  thing  elfe  that  is 
remarkable  in  this  river,  except  that  it  is  fo Terpen- 
tine for  five  miles,  as  only  to_gain  in  that  place  one 
quarter  of  a  mile.  v  .* 

The  Carrying  Pkce  betwcrn  the  'Fox  awil  Ouif- 
confin  Rivers  is  in  breadth  not  more  than  a  mile 
and  three  quarters,  though  in  fame  maps  it  is  fo  de- 
lineated as  to  appear  to  be  ten  miles.  And  here  I 
cannot  help  remarking,  that  the  maps  oi  thefe 
parts,  I  have  ever  feen,  are  very  erroneous.  The 
rivers  in  general  are  defcribed  as^runningin  different 
fjjrcdions  from  what    they  really  do  i  and  many 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


«7 


branches  ofthcm,  particularly  of  the  MilTiflippi, 
omitted.  The  diftanccs  of  pla€es,likcwifc,  arc  great- 
ly mifrcprercnted.  Whether  this  is  done  by  the 
French  geographers  (for  the  Englilh  maps  are  all 
copied  from  theirs)  through  defign,  or  for  want  of  a 
juft  knowledge  of  the  country,  I  cannot  fay ;  but  I 
am  faiisficd  that  travellers  who  depend  upon  them  in 
the  parts  I  vifited,  will  find  thcmfelves  much  at  alofs. 

Near  one  half  of  the  way,  between  the  rivers,  is 
a  marais  overgrown  with  a  kind  of  long  grafs,  the 
reft  of  it  a  plain  with  fome  few  oak  and  pin«  trees 
growing  thereon.  lobfcrved  here  a  great  number 
of  rattlc-fnakes.  Monf.  Pinnifance,  a  French  tra- 
der, told  me  a  remarkable  ftory  conccrniog  one  of 
thefe  reptiles,  of  which  he  faid,  he  was  an  eye-wit- 
nefs.  An  Indian,  belongmg  to  the  Menoiiponic  na- 
tion, having  taken  one  of  them,  found  means  to 
tame  it  j  and  when  he  had  done  this,  treated  it  as  a 
Deity  j  calling  it  his  Great  Father,  and  carrying  ic 
with  himj  in  a  box,  wherever  he  went.  This  the 
Indian  had  done  for  feveral  fummers,  when  Monff- 
Pinnifance  accidently  met  with  him  at  his  carrying 
place,  juft  as  he  was  ietting  ofFfor  a  winter's  hunt. 
The  French  gentleman  was  fupprifed,  one  day,  to 
fee  the  Indian  place  the  box  which  contained  his  god, 
on  theground,  and  opening  the  door,  give  him  his 
liberty  J  telling  him,  whilft  he  did  it,  to  be  fure  and 
return  by  the  time  he  himfelf  fhould  come  back^ 
which  was  to  be  in  the  moath  of  May  following.  As 
this  was  but  Qdober,  Monficur  told  the  Indian, 
whofe  fimplicky  aftonilhcd  him,  that  he  fancied  he 
might  wait  long  enough  when  May  arrived,  for  the 
arrival  of  his  great  father.  The  Indian  was  fo  con- 
fident of  his  creat«rt€'s  obedici?ce,  ^hsLt  he  offered  ta 
lay  the  Frenchman  a  wager  of^  two  gallons  of  rum, 
that  at  the  time  appointed'he  ^^ould  come  and  crawl 
iotohis  box.     This  was-  agreed  on,  and  the  fccond 


g$ 


CAftVER's    TRAVELS. 


week  in  May  following,  fixed  for  the  determination 
of  the  wager.  At  that  period  they  both  met  there 
again  j  when  the  Indian  let  down  his  box,  and  called 
fcr  his  great  father.  The  fnake  heard  him  not  ; 
and  the  time  being  now  expired,  he  acknowledged 
that  he  had  loft.  However,  without  fecming  to  be 
difcouraged,  he  offered  to  double  the  bet,  if  his 
great  father  came  not  within  two  days  more.  This 
was  further  agreed  on  -,  when  behold  on  the  fecond 
day,  about  cnc  o'clock,  the  fnake  arrived,  and,  of  his 
own  accord  crawled  into  the  box,  which  was  plac- 
ed ready  for  him.  The  French  gentleman  vouched 
for  the  truth  of  this  ftory,  and  from  the  accounts 
I  have  often  received  of  the  docility  of  thofe  crea- 
tures, I  fee  no  reafon  to  doubt  his  veracity. 

I  obfervcd  that  the  main  body  of  the  Fox  River 
came  from  the  fouth-weft,  that  of  the  Ouifconfin 
from  the  north-eaft  j  addalfo  that  fomc  of  the  fmall 
branches  of  thefe  two  rivcrs,in  dcfccnding  into  them, 
doubled,  within  a  few  feet  of  each  other,  a  little  to 
the  fouth  of  the  Carrying  Place.  That  two  fuch 
Ihould  take  their  rife  foneareach  other,  and  after  run- 
ning different  courfcs,  empty  themfelves  into  the 
fca,  at  a  diftance  fo  amazing  (for  the  former  hav- 
ing paffed  through  fcvcral  great  lakes,  and  run  up- 
wards of  two  thoufand  miles,  falls  into  the  Gulf  of 
St.  Lawrence,  and  the  other,  after  joining  the  Mif- 
fiflippi,  and  having  run  an  eqwal  number  of  miles, 
difcmbogues  itfelf  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  )  is  an 
inftahce  fcarcely  to  be  met  in  the  extenfive  conti- 
nent of  North- America.  I  had  an  apportunity  the 
year  following,  of  making  the  fame  obfcrvations  on 
the  affinity  of  various  head  branches  of  the  waters  of 
the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  MiffilTippi,  to  each  other  j 
and  now  bring  them  as  a  proaf,  that  the  opinion  of 
thofe  geographers  who  affcrt,  that  rivers  taking  their 
rife  fo  near  each  other,  mirft  fpring  from  the  fame 


CARVE  R»s      TRAVELS. 


29 


fourcc,  is  erroneous.  For  I  perceived  a  vifibly  dif- 
flinA  reparation  in  all  of  them,  notwithftandng,  in 
fomc  places,  they  approached  fo  near,  that  I  could 
have  Kepped  from  the  one  to  the  other. 

On  the  8th  of  Oftober  we  got  our  canoes  into  the 
Ouifconfm  River,  which  at  this  place  is  more  than 
a  hundred  yards  wide  ;  and  the  next  day  arrived  at 
the  Great  Town  of  the  Saukies.  This  is  the  largeft 
and  bed  built  Indian  town  I  ever  faw.  It  contains 
about  ninety  houfes,  each  large  enough  for  feveral 
families.  Thefe  are  built  of  hewn  plank,  neatly 
jointed,  and  covered  with  bark  fo  compa(5tly  as  to 
keep  out  the  moil:  penetrating  rains.  Before  the 
doors  are  placed  comfortable  iheds,  in  which  the  in- 
habitants fit,  when  the  weather  will  permit,  and 
fmoke  their  pipes.  The  ftreets  are  regular  and  fpa- 
cious  ;  fo  that  it  appears  more  like  a  civilized  town, 
than  the  abode  or  lavages.  The  land  near  the  town 
is  very  good.  In  their  plantations,  which  lie  ad- 
jacent to  their  houfes,  and  which  are  neatly  laid  out, 
they  raife  great  quantities  of  Indian  corn,  beans,  me- 
lons, &c.  io  that  this  place  is  efteemcd  the  bcft  mar- 
ket for  traders  to  furnilh  themfclves  with  provifions, 
of  any  within  eight  hundred  miles  of  it. 

The  Saukies  can  raife  about  three  hundred  war- 
riors, who  are  generally  employed  every  fummer  in 
making  incurfions  into  the  territories  of  the  Illinois 
and  Pawnee  nations,  from  whence  they  return  with  a 
great  number  of  flavcs.  But  thofe  people  frequent- 
ly retaliate,  and  in  their  turn,  cicftroy  many  of  the 
Saukies,  which  I  judge  to  be  the  reafon  that  they 
increafe  n6  fafter. 


:r^r. 


Whiift  I  (laid  here,  I  took  a  view  of  feme  moun- 
tains that  lie  about  fifteen  miles  to  the  fouthward, 
and  abound  in  lead  ore.     I  afcended  on  one  of  the 


s« 


CARVE  R's      TRAVELS. 


Iiighcft'  of  thefc,  and  had  an  cxtcnfivc  view  of  the 
country.  For  many  miles  nothing  was  to  be  (ecn 
hut  leder  mountains,  which  appeared  at  a  di(V&ncc 
like  haycoclcs,  they  being  free  from  trees.  Only  a 
few  groves  of  hickory,  and  ftunccd  oaks,  covered 
fomc  of  the  valUcs.  So  plentiful  is  lead  here,  that 
I  faw  large  quantities  of  it  lying  about  the  ftreets  in 
the  town  belonging  to  the  Saukics,  and  itfccmcd  to 
be  as  good  as  the  produce  of  other  councrics. 

On  the  loth  of  Oftober  we  proceeded  down  the 
river,  and  the  next  day  reached  the  firft  town  of  the 
Octigaumies.  This  town  contained  about  fifty  houfes, 
but  we  found  mofl  of  them  deferted,  on  account 
of  an  epidemical  diforder  that  had  lately  raged 
among  them,  and  carried  off  more  than  one  half  of 
the  inhabitants.^  The  greater  part  ofthofe  who  fur- 
vived,  had  retired  into  the  woods,  to  avoid  the  con- 
tagion. 

On  the  15th,  we  entered  that  extenfive  river  the 
Miflifijppi.  The  Ouifconfm,  from  the  Carrying 
Place  to  the  part  where  it  falls  into  the  MIlTiflippi, 
flows  with  a  fmooth,  but  ftrong  current ;  the  water 
of  it  is  exceedingly  clear,  and  through  it  you  may 
perceive  a  fine  and  fandy  bottom,  tolerably  free 
from  rocks.  In  it  are  a  few  iflands,  the  foil  of  which 
appeared  to  be  good,  though  fomewhat  woody. 
The  land  near  the  river  alfo  ftemed  to  be,  in  gene- 
ral, excellent  j  but  that  at  a  diftancc  is  very  full,  of 
mountains,  where  it  is  iaid  there  are  many  lead 
mines. 

About  five  miles  from  the  junftio<n  of  the  rivers, 
I  obferved  the  ruins  cfa  large  town,  in  a  very 
pleafing  fituation.  On  enquiring  of  the  neighbour- 
ing Indians,  why  it  was  thus  dcfijrtedjl  was- imarmicd, 
that  abotit  thirty  years  ago,  the  Great  Spirit  had  ap- 
peared on  the  top  of  a  pyramid- of  rocks,  vrhichlay 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


81 


at  a  little  diftancc  from  it,  towards  the  wefl:,-  and 
warncc^  them  to  quit  their  habitations  j  for  the  land 
on  which  thty  were  built  belonged  to  !iim,  andiic 
had  occafion  for  it.  As  a  proot  that  he,  who  gave 
thctn  thefc  orders  was,  really  tl-»c  Great  Spirit,  he 
iurdicr  told  them  that,  thegrafslhould  imnifdiatcly 
fpring  up  on  thpfc  very  rocks  from  wiiencf  he  now 
addrcfled  them,  which  they  knew  to  be  bare  and 
barren.  The  Indians  obeyed,  and  foon  after  dif- 
covercd  that  this  miraculous  alteration  liad  taken 
place.  They  fhcwed  me  the  fpot,  but  the  growth  of 
the  grafs  appeared  to  be  no  way  fupcrnatural.  I 
apprehend  this  to  have  been  a  ftratagcm  of  the 
French  or  Spaniards,  to  anfwcr  fome  felfifh  view ; 
but  in  what  manner  they  cffedcd  their  purpofes  I 
know  not. 

This  people,  foon  after  their  removal,  built  a 
lown  on  the  bank  of  r\e  Mifliffippi,  near  the  mouth 
of  theOuifconfin,  at  a  place  called  by  the  French  La 
Prairies  les  Ch  icns,  which  fignifics  the  Dog  Plains  j 
it  is  a  large  town,  and  contains  about  three  hundred 
families  i  the  houfcs  are  well  built  after  the  Indian 
manner,  and  pleafantly  fituated  on  a  very  rich  foil, 
from  which  they  raifc  every  ncceffary  of  life  in  great 
abundance.  Ifawhere  many  horfes  of  a  good  fize 
and  fhape.  This  town  is  the  great  mart  where  all 
the  adjacent  tribes,  and  even  thofe  who  inh.ibic  the 
moil  remote  branches  of  tlie  MiffifTippi,  annually 
aflemble  about  the  latter  end  of  May,  bringing  with 
them  their  furs  to  difpofe  of  to  the  traders.  But  it 
is  not  always  that  they  conclude  their  faie  here  j 
thisis  jdetcrmiricd  by  a  general  council  of  the  chiefs, 
who  Gonfult  whetJierit  would  be  more  conducive  to 
their  in tcrcft,  to  fell  their. goodsat  this  i)lacc,.or  car- 
ry them  on  taLouiliana,  or  MichHiimiickinac.  Ac- 
cc  iing  to  the  dccifion  of  this  council,  they  either 
prccccd  further,  jor  return  to  their  different  hoii>cs. 


32 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS 


i 


The  MifTifllppi,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Ouifconfin, 
near  which  Itands  a  mountain  of  confiderable 
height,  is  about  half  a  mile  over  i  but  oppofite  to 
the  Ja(l  mentioned  town  it  appears  to  be  more  than 
a  mile  wide,  and  full  of  ifljinds,  the  foil  ofwhich  is 
extraordinary  rich,  and  but  thinly  wooded. 

A  little  further  to  the  weft,  on  the  contrary  fide, 
a  fmall  river  falls  into  the  Mifliflippi,  which  the 
French  call  Le  Jaun  Riviere,  or  the  Yellow  River. 
Here  the  tri:ders  who  had  accompanied  me  hither- 
to, took  up  their  rcfidence  for  the  winter.  I  then 
bought  3  canoe,  and  with  two  fervants,  one  a  French 
Canadian,  and  the  other  a  Mohawk  of  Canada,  on 
thie  1 9th  proceeded  up  the  Miffiffippi. 

About  ten  days  after  I  had  parted  from  the  trad- 
ers, 1  landed  as  1  ufually  did,  every  evening,  an4 
having  pitched  my  tent,  I  ordered  my  men,  when 
night  came  on,  to  lay  themfelves  down  to  fleep.  By 
a  light  that  I  kept  burning  I  then  fat  down  to  copy 
the  minutes  I  had  taken  in  cht  courfe  of  the  pre- 
ceding day.  About  ten  o'clock,  having  juft  finifh-r 
ed  my  memorandums,  I  fteppcd  out  of  my  tent  to 
fee  what  weather  it  was.  As  I  caft  my  eyes  to- 
wards the  bank  of  the  river,  I  thought  I  faw  by  the 
light  of  the  ftars,  which  Ihone  bright,  fomething  that 
had  the  appearance  of  a  herd  of  beafts,  coming  down 
a  defcent  at  fome  diftance  j  whilft  I  was  wonder- 
ing what  they  could  be,  one  of  the  number  fuddenly 
fprung  up,  and  difcovered  to  me  the  form  of  a  man. 
In  an  inftant  they  were  all  on  their  legs,  and  I  could 
count  about  ten  or  twelve  of  them  running  towards 
me.  I  immediately  re-entered  the  tent,  and  having 
awakened  my  men,  ordered  them  to  take  their  arms, 
and  follow  me.  As  my  firft  apprehenfions  were  for 
roy  canoe,  I  ran  to  the  water's  fide,  and  found  a  party 


;? 


€  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


81 


of  Indians  (for  fuch  I  now  diicovered  them  to  be) 
on  the  point  of  plundering  it.  Before  I  reached 
them,  I  commanded  my  men  not  to  fire  till  I  had 
given  the  word,  being  unwilling  to  begin  hofl-ilities 
iinlefs  occafion  abfoiutely  required.  I  accordingly 
advanced  with  rcfolution,  clofe  to  the  points  of  their 
fpears,  they  had  no  other  -rveapons,  and  brandifh- 
ing  my  hanger,  afl<ed  then  with  a  ftern  voice,  what 
they  wanted?  They  wcie  ftaggercd  at  this,  and 
perceiving  they  were  like  to  meec  with  a  warm  re- 
ception, turned  about  and  precipitately  retreated. 
We  purfued  them  to  an  adjacent  wood,  which  they 
entered,  and  we  faw  no  more  of  them.  However, 
for  fear  of  their  return,  we  watched  alternately  dur- 
ing the  remainder  of  the  night.  The  next  day  my 
fervants  were  under  great  apprehenfions,  and  ear- 
neftly  entreated  me  to  return  to  the  traders  we  had 
lately  left.  But  I  told  them,  that  if  they  would  not 
be  eftcemed  old  women  (a  term  of  the  greateft  re- 
proach among  the  Indians)  they  muft  follow  me  j  for 
i  was  determined  to  purfue  my  intended  route,  as  an 
Englifhman,  when  once  engaged  in  an  adventure, 
never  retreated.  On  this  they  got  into  the  canoe, 
and  I  walked  cin  the  fhorc  to  guard  them  from  any 
further  attack.  The  party  of  Indians  who  had  thus 
intended  to  plunder  me,  I  afterwards  found  to  be 
fome  of  thofe  ftraggling  bands,  that  having  been 
,  driven  from  among  the  different  tribes  to  which  they 
belonged,  for  various  crimes,  now  affociated  thcm- 
felves  together,  aqd,  living  by  plunder,  prove  very 
troublefome  to  travellers  who  pafs  this  way^  nor 
are  even  Indians  of  every  tribe  fpared  by  them.  The 
traders  had  before  cautioned  me  to  be  upon  my 
guard  againft  them,  and  I  would  repeat  the  fame 
caution  to  thofe  whofc  buiincfs  might  call  then!  iqt^ 
thcfe  parts. 


34 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


I| 

n 
\ 


On  the  I  ft  of  November  I  arrived  at  Lake  P«pin, 
which  is  rather  an  extended  part  of  the  river  Mif- 
fiflippi,  that  the  French  have  thus  denominated, 
but  two  hundred  miles  from  the  Ouifconfm.  The 
MifTiflippi  below  this  lake,  flows  with  a  gentle  cur- 
rent, but  the  breadth  of  it  is  very  uncertain,  in 
feme  places  it  being  upwards  of  a  mile,  in  others 
not  more  than  a  quarter.  This  river  has  a  range 
of  mountains  on  each  fide  throughout  the  whole  of 
the  way  5  which  in  particular  parts  approach  near 
to  it,  in  others  lie  at  a  greater  diftance.  The  land 
betwixt  the  mountains,  and  on  their  fides,  is  ge- 
nerally covered  with  grafs,  with  a  few  groves  of 
trees  interfperfed,  near  which,  large  droves  of  deer 
0nd  elk  arc  frequently  fcen  feeding. 

In  many  places  pyramids  of  rocks  appeared,  re- 
ff^mbling  old  ruinous  towers;  at  others  amazing 
precipices;  and  what  is  very  remarkable,  whillt 
this  fcene  prefented  itfelf  on  one  fide,  the  oppofite 
fide  of  the  fame  mountain  ^vas  covered  with  the 
nneft  herbage,  which  gradually  afcended  to  its 
i'ummit.  From  thence  the  rnoft  beautiful  and  ex- 
tenfive  profpe6t  that  imagination  can  form,  opens 
to  your  view.  Verdant  plains,  fruitful  meadows, 
nunlerous  iflands,  and  all  thefc  abounding  with  a  va- 
riety of  trees  that  yield  amazing  quantities  of  fruit, 
without  care  or  cultivation;  fuch  as  the  nut-tree, 
the  maple  whicfi  produces  fugar,  vines  loaded  with 
rich  grapes,  and  pjum-trees  bending  under  their 
blooming  burdens,  but  above  all,  the  fine  river  flow^ 
ing  gently  beneath,  and  reaching  as  far  as  the  eye 
can  extend,  by  turns  attrad  yOur  admiration  and 
excite  your  wonder! 

The  Lake  is  about  twenty  miles  long,  and  near 
fix  in  breadth  ;  in  fome  places  it  is  very  deep,  and 
abounds  with  various  kinds  of  fifh.     Great  num- 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


35 


bers  of  fowl  frequent  alfo  this  Lake  and  the  rivers 
adjacent  J  fuch  as  fto;  ks,  fwans,  geefe,  brants,  and 
ducks:  and  in  the  groves  are  found  great  plenty 
of  turkeys  and  partridges.  On^the  plains  are  the 
largeft  buffaloes  of  any  in  America.  Here  I  ob- 
ferved  the  ruins  of  a  French  faftory,  where  it  is  faid 
captain  St.  Pierre  refided,  and  carried  on  a  very 
great  trade  with  the  Naudowcflies,  before  the  reduc- 
tion of  Canada. 

About  fixty  miles  below  this  Lake  is  a  moun- 
tain remarkably  fituatedj  for  it  flands  by  itfelf 
exactly  in  the  middle  of  the  river,  and  looks  as  if 
it  had  Hidden  from  the  adjacent  Ihore  into  the  (trcam. 
It  cannot  be  termed  an  ifland,  as  it  rifes  immedk- 
diately  from  the  brink  of  the  water  to  aconfidcrable 
height.  Both  the  Indians  and  the  French  call  it 
the  Mountain  in  the  river. 


jreat  num- 


One  day  having  landed  on  the  Ihore  of  the  Mif- 
fiffippi,  fome  miles  below  Lake  Pepin,  whilft  my 
attendants  were  preparing  my  dinner,  I  walked  out 
to  take  a  view  of  the  adjacent  country.  I  had  not 
proceeded  far,  before  I  came  to  a  fine,  level,  open 
plain,  on  which  I  perceived  at  a  little  diftance,  a  par- 
tial elevation  that  had  the  appearance  of  an  intrench- 
ment.  On  a  nearer  infpeftion  I  had  greater  reafon 
to  fuppofe  that  it  had  really  been  intended  for  this 
many  centuries  ago,  Notwithftanding  it  was  now 
covered  with  grafs,  I  could  plainly  difcern  that  ic 
had  once  been  a  breaft-work  of  about  four  feet  in 
height,  extending  the  belt  part  of  a  mile,  and  fufH- 
ciently  capacious  to  cover  five  thoufand  men.  Its 
form  was  fomewhat  circular,  and  its  flanks  reached 
to  the  river.  Though  much  defaced  by  time,  every 
angle  was  diftinguifhablc,  and  appeared  as  regular, 
and  falhioned  with  as  much  military  ikill,  as  if 
planned  by  Vauban  himfelf.     The  ditch  was  not 


St  \ 


j6  G  A  R  V  E  R'5    T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 

vifible,  but  I  thought  on  examining  more  cm'ioudyj, 
that  I  could  perceive  there  certainly  had  been  one. 
From  its  fituation  alfo,  I  am  convinced  that  it  muft 
have  been  defigned  for  this  purpofe.     It  fronted  the 
country,  and  the  rear  was  covered  by  the  river; 
nor  was  there  any  rifing  ground  for  a  confiderable 
way,  that  commanded  it,    a  few  llraggling  oaks 
were  alone  to  be  feen  near   it.     In  many   place* 
ImaJl  trads  were  worn  acrofs  it  by  the  feet  of  the 
elks  and  deer,    and  from  the  depth  of  the  bed  of 
earth  by  which  it  was  covered,  I  was  able  to  draw 
c-rtain  conclufions  of  its  great  antiquity.     I  exa- 
mined all  the  angles,  and  every  part  with  great  at- 
tention, and  have  often  blamed  myfclf  fmce,  for 
not  encamping  on  the  fpot,  and  drawing  an  cxa6t 
plan  of  it.     To  fhew  that  this  defcription  is  not  the 
offspring  of  a  heated  imagination,  or  the  chimerical 
tale  of  a  miitaken  traveller,   I  find  on  enquiry  fincc 
my  return,  that  Monf.  St.  Pierre  and  feveral  tra- 
ders, have,  at  different  times,  taken  notice  of  limi- 
lar  appearances,  on  which  they  have  formed  the 
fame  conjedures,    but  without  examining  them  fo 
minutely  as  I  did.     How  a  work  of  this  kind  could 
cxift  in  a  country  that  has  hitherto  (according  to  the 
general  received  opinion)  been  the  feat  of  war  to 
untutored  Indians  alone,  whofc  whole  Hock  of  mili- 
tary knowledge  has  only,  till  within  two  centuries, 
amounted   to   drawing  the    bow,    and  whofe  only 
breaft-work,    even  at  prefent,     is  the   thicket,    I 
know  not.     I  have  given  as  exad  an  account  as 
poffible,  of  this  Angular  appearance,    and  leave  to 
future  explorers  of  thefe  diftant  regioas,  to  difcover, 
whether  it  is  a  produdion  of  nature  or  art. 

Perhaps  the  hints  I  have  here  given,  might 
lead  to  a  more  pcrfed  invelligation  of  it,  and  give 
up  very  different  ideas  of  the  ancient  ftate  of  realms 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


r 


tliac  we  at  prefent  believe  to  have  been  from  the 
carlicll  period  only  the  habitadons  of  lavages. 

The  MiflTiffippi,  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  the 
river.  St.  Croix  j  thirty  miles  above  Lake  Pepin, 
is  very  full  of  iflands  i  fome  of  which  are  of  a  con- 
fiderable  length.  On  thefe  alfo,  grow  great  num- 
bers of  the  maple  or  fugar  tree,  and  around  them, 
vines  loaded  with  grapes,  creeping  to  their  very 
tops.  From  the  Lake  upwards,  few  mountains  are 
to  be  feen,  and  thofe  but  fmail.  Near  the  river 
^Si.  Croix,  relide  three  bands  of  the  Naudoweflle 
Indians,  called  the  River  Bands. 

This  nation  is  compofed,  at  prefent,  of  eleven 
bands.  They  were  originally  twelve  j  but  the  AfTi- 
nipoils  fome  years  ago,  revolting,  and  fcparating 
themfelves  from  the  others,  there  remain  only  ac 
this  time  eleven.  Thofe  I  met  here  are  termed  the 
River  Bands;  becaufe  they  chiefly  dwell  near  the 
banks  of  this  River :  the  other  eight  are  generally 
diftinguiflied  by  the  title,  NaudoweSies  of  the  Plains, 
and  inhabit  a  country  that  lies  more  to  the  v/eft- 
ward.  The  names  of  the  former  are  the  Nehoyja- 
tawonahs,  the  Mawtawbauntowahs,  and  the  Shah- 
fweentowahs,  and  confift  of  about  four  hundred 
warriors. 

A  little  before  I  met  with  thefe  three  bands,  I 
fell  in  with  a  party  of  the  Mawtawbauntov/ahs, 
amounting  to  forty  warriors  and  their  families.  With 
thefe  I  refided  a  day  or  two,  during  which  time 
five  or  fix  of  their  number  who  had  been  out  on  an 
txcurfion,  returned  in  great  haftc,  and  acquainted 
their  companions  that  a  large  party  of  the  Chipe- 
way  warriors,  "enough,"  as  they  exp  re  fifed  them- 
felves, "  to  fwallow  them  all  up,"  were  clofc  at 
their  heels.,  and  on  the  point  of  attcking  their  little 


i8 


CARVER   s    TRAVELS. 


E'  ''I 


caiv.p.  The  chiefs  applied  :o  me,  and  dcfired  I 
would  put  myfelf  at  their  head,  and  lead  them  out 
to  oppofe  their  enemies.  As  I  was  a  ftranger,  and 
unwilling  to  excite  the  anger  of  cither  nation,  I 
knew  not  how  toadtj  and  never  found  myfelf  in  a 
greater  dilemma.  Had  Ircfufedto  a.Tift  the  Nau- 
doweflics  I  fhould  have  drawn  on  myfelf  their  dif- 
pleafurc,  or  had  I  met  the  Chipeways  with  hoftijc 
intentions,  I  Ihould  have  made  that  people  my  foes, 
and  had  I  been  fortunate  enough  to  have  cfcaped 
their  arrov/s  at  this  time,  on  fome  future  occafion 
fhould  probably  have  experienced  the  feverity  of 
their  revenge.  In  this  extremity  I  chofe  the  middle 
courfe,  and  dcfircd  that  the  Naudoweflies  would 
fufFer  me  to  meet  them,  that  I  might  endeavour  to 
avert  their  fury.  To  this  they  reluctantly  aflfcnted, 
being  perfuaded,  from  the  inveteracy  which  had  long 
prevailed  between  them,  that  my  rcmonfttanccs 
would  be  in  vain. 

Taking  my  Frenchman  with  me,  who  could 
fpeak  their  language,  I  haftencd  towards  the  place 
where  the  Chipeways  were  fuppofed  to  be.  The 
Naudoweflies,  during  this,  kept  at  a  diftancc  be- 
hind. As  I  approached  them  with  the  pipe  of  peace, 
a  fmall  party  of  their  chiefs,  confifting  of  about 
eight  or  ten,  came  in  a  friendly  manner  towards 
me ;  with  whom,  by  the  means  of  my  interpreter, 
I  held  a  long  converfation  j  the  refult  of  which  was, 
that  their  rancor  being  by  my  perfuafions  in  fome 
meafure  mollified,  they  agreed  to  return  back,  with- 
out accomplifhing  their  favagc  purpofes.  During 
our  difcourfe  I  could  perceive,  as  they  lay  fcattered 
about,  that  the  party  was  very  numerous,  and  many 
of  them  armed  with  mulkets. 

Having  happily  fucceeded  in  my  undertaking,  I 
returned  without  delay  to  the  Naudoweflies,    and 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


S9 


dcfired  Aey  would  inftantly  remove  their  camp  to 
feme  other  part  of  the  country,  left  their  enemies 
fhould  repent  of  the  promife  they  had  given,  and 
put  their  intentions  in  execution.  They  accord- 
ingly followed  my  advice,  and  immediately  pre- 
pared to  ftrikc  their  tents.  Whilft  they  \%erc  doin-; 
this,  they  loaded  me  with  thanks ;  and  when  I 
hadfcen  them  on  board  their  canoes,  I  purlutd  my 
route. 

To  this  adventure  I  was  chiefly  indebted  for  the 
friendly  reception  I  afterwards  met  with  from  the 
Naudoweflics  of  the  Plains,  and  for  the  rcfpccl  and 
honors  I  received  during  my  abode  among  thenr. 
And  when  1  arrived  many  months  after  at  the  Clii- 
peway  village,  near  the  Ottowaw  lakes,  I  found  i  hat 
my  fame  had  reached  that  place  before  me.  The 
chief  received  me  with  great  cordiality,  and  the 
elder  part  of  them  thanked  mc  for  the  mifchie/ 1 
had  prevented.  They  informed  me,  that  the  war 
between  their  nation  and  the  Naudoweffies  had  con- 
tinued without  interruption  for  more  than  forty  win- 
ters. That  they  had  long  wifhed  to  put  an  end  to  it, 
but  this  was  generally  prevented  by  the  young  war- 
riors of  cither  nation,  who  could  not  reftrain  their 
ardor  when  they  met.  They  faid,  they  Ihould  be 
happy  if  fome  chief  of  the  fame  pacific  difpofition, 
as  myfelf,  and  who  poflfeffed  an  equal  degree  of  re- 
folution  and  coolnefs,  would  fettle  in  the  country 
between  the  two  nations;  for  by  the  interference  ^^f 
fuch  a  perlbn,  an  accommodation,  which  on  their 
parts  they  fincerdy  defired,  might  be  brought  about. 
As  I  did  not  meet  any  of  the  Naudoweffies  after- 
wards, I  had  not  an  opportunity  of  forwarding  ihi 
good  a  work. 

About  thirty  miles  below  the  Fails  of  St.  An- 
thony, at  which  I  arrived  the  tenth  day  after  I  left 


40 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


Lake  Pepin,  Is  a  remarkable  cave  of  i?n  ama2ing 
depth.  The  Indians  term  it  Wakon-teebc,  that  is, 
the  Dwelling  of  the  Great  Spirit.  The  entrance 
into  it  is  about  ten  feet  wide,  the  height  of  it  five 
feet.  The  arch  within  is  near  fifteen  feet  high  and 
about  thirty  feet  broad.  The  bottom  of  ic  confifts 
of  line  clear  fand.  About  twenty  feet  from  the  en- 
trance begins  a  lake,  the  water  of  which  is  tranfpa- 
rent,and  extends  to  an  unfearchablediftancc  j  for  the 
darknefs  of  the  cave  prevents  all  attempts  to  ac- 
quire a  knowledge  of  it.  I  chrew  a  fmall  pebble  to- 
wards the  interior  parts  of  is,  with  my  utmoft 
ftrength  :  I  could  hear  that  it  fell  into  the  water,  and 
notwithflanding  it  was  of  fo  fmall  a  fize,  it  caufed 
an  aflonilhing  and  horrible  noife,  that  reverberated 
through  all  thofe  gloomy  regions.  I  found  in  this 
cave  many  Indiaf^Jiieroglyphics,  which  appeared 
very  ancient,  for  time  had  nearly  covered  them  with 
mofs,fo  that  it  was  with  difficulty!  could  trace  them. 
They  were  cut  in  a  rude  manner,  upon  the  infide  of 
the  walls,  which  were  compofed  of  a  ftonp  fo  ex- 
tremely foft  that  it  might  eafily  be  penetrated  with 
a  knife  ;  a  ftonc  every  where  to  be  found  near  the 
MiflHTippi.  The  cave  is  only  accefiible  by  afcend- 
ing  a  narrow,  ftcep  paffage,  that  lies  near  the  brink. 
of  the  river. 

At  a  little  diftance  from  this  dreary  cavern,  is  the 
burying-place  of  feveral  bandsof  the  Naudoweflie 
Indians  :  though  thefe  people  have  no  fixed  fefi- 
dence,  living  in  rents,  and  abiding  but  a  few  months 
on  one  fpot,  yet  they  always  bring  the  bones  of  their 
dead  to  this  place  ;  which  they  take  the  opportunity 
of  doing  when  the  chiefs  meet  to  hold  their  coun- 
cils, and  to  fettle  all  public  affairs  for  the  cnfuing 
fummer. 


Ten  miles  below  the  Falls  oF  St.  Anthony,  the 


CARVE  R's     TRAVELS. 


41 


River  St.  Pierre,  called  by  the  natives  the  Wadcla- 
pawmenefotor,  falls  into  the  Miffiflippi  from  the  weft. 
It  is  not  mentioned  by  Father  Hennipin,  although  a 
large,  fair  river  j  this  omiffion  I  conclude,  mufthave 
proceeded  from  afmall  ifland  that  is  fituated  exadly 
at  its  entrance,  by  which  the  fight  of  it  intercepted. 
I  rtiould  not  have  difcovered  this  river  myfelf,  had 
I  not  taken  a  view,  when  I  was  fcarching  for  it,  from 
the  high  lands  oppofite,  which  rife  to  a  great 
height. 

Nearly  over  againft  this  river  I  was  obliged  to 
leave  my  canoe,  on  account  of  the  ice,  and  travel  by 
land  to  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  where  I  arrived  on 
the  lyih  of  November.  The  Midiflfippi  from  the  St. 
Pierre  to  this  place,  is  rather  more  rapid  than  I  had 
hitherto  foundit,  and  without  iflandsofany  confidc- 
ration. 

t 

Before  I  left  my  canoe  I  overtook  a  young  prince 
of  the  Winnebago  Indians,  who  was  going  on  an 
cmbafly  to  fomc  of  the  bands  of  the  Naudoweflies. 
Finding  that  I  intended  to  take  a  view  of  th*e  Falls, 
he  agreed  to  accompany  me,  his  curiofity  having 
been  often  excited  by  the  accounts  he  had  received 
from  fome  of  his  chiefs  :  he  accordingly  left  his  fa- 
mily (for  the  Indians  never  travel  without  their  houf- 
holds)  at  this  place,  under  the  care  of  my  Mohawk 
fervant,  and  we  proceeded  together  by  land  attend- 
ed only  by  my  Frenchman,  to  this  celebrated  place. 

yVc  could  diftinflly  hear  the  noife  of  the  water 
full  fifteen  miles  before  we  reached  the  fails  ;  and 
I  was  greatly  pleafcd  and  furprifed,  when  I  ap- 
proached this  aftonifiiing  work  ofnature  j  but  I  was 
not  long  at  liberty  to  indulge  thefe  emotions,  my  at- 
tention being  called  off  by  the  behaviour  ofmy  com- 
panion. 


4i 


CARVER'S    TRAVEL  .-:. 


The  Pnncc  had  no  fuontr  gamed  the  point  that 
overlooks  this  wonderful  cafcadc,  than  he  began 
^vith  an  audible  voice  to  addrefs  the  Great  Spirit, 
one  of  whofe  plactL  of  rcf-dencc  he  imagined  this  to 
be.  He  told  him  that  he  had  come  a  hng  way  to 
})ay  Iiis  adorations  to  him,  and  now  would  make  him 
the  hcfl  offering  in  hi*:  power.  He  accordingly  firft: 
threw  his  pipe  into  the  flrcam  -,  then  the  roll  that 
t'Ontained  his  tobacco  j  after  thefe,  the  bracelets  he 
wore  on  his  arms  and  wrifis  ;  next  an  ornament  that 
encircled  his  neck,  compofed  of  beads  and  wires  i 
andatlcill  the  tar-rings  from  his  ears  ;  in  ihort,  he 
prefented  to  his  p;od,  every  part  of  his  drefs  that  was 
valuabk  :  during  tJiis  he  frequently  fmote  his  breafl 
with  great  violence,  threw  his  arms  about,  and  ap- 
peared to  be  much  agitated. 

All  this  while  he  continued  his  adorations,  and  ac 
length  concluded  th  m  with  fervent  petitions  that  the 
'  Gtcat  Spirit  would  conitantly  aiford  us  his  protec- 
tion on  our  travels,  giving  us  a  bright  fun,  a  blue 
il<y,  and  clear,  untroubled  waters :  nor  would  he 
leave  the  place  till  we  had  finoked  together  with  my 
pipe,  in  honor  of  the  Gi-eat  Spirit. 

I  was  g'-eatly  furprifcd  at  beholding  an  inftance  of 
fuch  elevated  devotion  in  fo  young  an  Indian,  and 
inftead  of  ridiculing  the  ceremonies  attending  it,  as 
lobfcrvfd  my  catholic  fervani  tacitydid,  I  looked 
on  the  prince  with  a  greater  degree  of  refpcft  for 
thefe  fmctre  proofs  he  gave  of  his  piety  -,  and  1  doubt 
not  but  that  his  offerings  and  prayers  were  as  accept- 
able to  the  univerfal  Parent  of  mankind,  as  if  they 
had  been  made  with  greater  pomp,  or  in  a  confe- 
crated  place. 

Indeed,  the  whole  condud  of  this  young  prince 
at  once  pnazed  and  charmed  me.     During  the  few 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


43 


days  wc  were  together,  his  attention  leemcd  totally 
to  be  employed  in  yielding  me  every  alliltancc  iii 
his  power  ;  and  even  in  fo  Ihort  a  time,  he  j.ive  me 
innumerable  proofs  of  the  moft  generous  and  difin- 
tercftcd  friendlhip  j  fo  that  on  our  return  I  parted 
from  him  with  great  reluflancf.  WhiUl  I  bt-held 
the  artlefs,  yet  engaging  manners  of  this  unpolilhed 
Civage,  I  could  not  help  drawing  a  co.Tjparilbn  be- 
tween him  and  fome  of  the  more  refined  inhabitants 
o^ civilized  countries,  not  much,  I  own,  in  favor  of 
the  latter. 


The   Falls  of  St.  Anthony  received  their  name 
from  Father  Louis  Hennipin,  a  French  mifTionary, 
who  travelled  into  thefe  parts  about  the  year  1680, 
and  was  the  firft  European  ever  fcen  by  the  natives. 
This  amazing  body  of  waters,  which  are  above  250 
yards  over,  form  a  moft  pleafing  catarad:  j  they  fall 
perpendicularly  about  thirty   feet,   and  the  rapids 
bel'ow,  in  the  fpacc  of  300  yards  more,  render  the 
defccnt  confiderably  greater ;  fo  that  v^hen  viewed 
at  a  diftance,  they  appear  to  be  much  higher  than 
they  really  are.     The  above-mentioned  traveller  has 
laid   them  down  at  above  fixty  feet;  but   he   had 
made  a  greater  error  in  calculating  the  height  of  the 
Falls  of  Niagara;  which  he  aflferts  to  be  600  feet  > 
whereas  from  later  obfervations  accurately  made,  it 
is  well  known  that  it  does  not  exceed  140  feet.     But 
the  good  father  1  fear  too  often  had  no  other  found - 
dation  for  his  accounts,  than  report,  or,  ^t  beft,  a 
flight  infpedtion. 

In  the  middle  of  the  Falls  ftands  a  fmali  iOand, 
about  forcy  feet  broild  and  fomewhat  longer,  on 
which  grow  a  few  cragged  hemlock  and  fpruce  trees; 
and  about  half  way  between  this  ifland  and  the  eaft- 
crn  fhore  is  a  rock,  lyiug  at  the  very  edge  of  th^ 
Fall,  in   an   oblique  pofiticn  that   apnei^red   to   be* 


44 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


about  five  or  fix  feet  broad,  and  thirty  or  forty  long. 
Thdc  Falls  vary  much  from  all  the  others  I  have 
fccn,  as  you  may  approach  clofc  to  them  without 
liruling  tlie  Icaft  obftrudion  from  any  intervening  hill 
or  precipice. 

The  country  around  them  is  extremely  beautiful. 
It  is  not  an  uninterrupted  plain,  where  the  eye  finds, 
no  relief,  but  compofcd  of  many  gentle  afcents, 
v/hich  in  the  fummer  arc  covered  with  the  fined 
verdure,  and  interfperfed  with  little  groves,  that 
giveapleafing  variety  to  the  profpe(!!l.  On  the  whole, 
wlien  the  Fvills  arc  included,  which  may  be  feen  at 
the  dirtance  of  four  miles,  a  m(  re  pleafing  and  pic* 
turel'que  view  cannot,  I  believe,  be  found  through- 
out the  univerfe.  I  could  have  wifhed  that  I  had 
happened  to  enjoy  thi?;  glorious  fight  at  a  more  fea- 
fonablc  time  of  the  year,  wlnlit  the  trees  and  hillocks 
were  clad  in  nature's  gayeft  livery,  as  this  muft 
have  greatly  added  to  the  pleafure  I  received  j  how- 
ever, even  then  itexceeded  my  warmed  expectations. 
I  have  endeavoured  to  give  the  reader  as  jud  an  idea 
of  this  enchanting  fpot,  as  pofliblc  j  but  all  defcrip- 
tion,  whether  of  the  pencil  or  the  pen,  mud  fall  in- 
finitely fliortof  the  original. 

At  a  little  didance  below  the  Falls  dands  a  fmall 
ifland,  of  about  an  acre  and  an  half,  on  which  grow  a 
great  number  of  oak  trees,  every  branch  of  which, 
able  to  fupport  the  weijrht,  was  full  of  eagles*  neds. 
The  reafon  that  this  kind  of  birds  refort  in  fuch 
numbers  to  this  fpot,  is,  that  they  are  here  fecurc 
frt)m  the  attacks  either  of  man  or  bead,  their  retreat 
bcinjy  guarded  by  the  rapids,  which  the  Indiang 
never  attempt  to  pafs.  Another  reafon  is,  that  they 
find  a  conltant  fupply  of  food  for  themfclves  and 
their  youn^,  from  the  animals   and  fifli   which   are 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS.  45 

daflied  to  pieces  by  the  Falls,  and  driven  on  the  ad- 
jacent Ihorc. 

Having  fatisficd  my  ruriofity,  as  far  as  the  eye  of 
man  can  be  fatisfied,  I  proceeded  on,  Hill  accom- 
panied by  my  young  friend,  till  I  had  reached  the 
River  St.  Francis,  near  fixty  miles  above  the  Falls. 
To  this  river  Father  Hennipin  gave  the  name  of  St. 
Francis,  and  this  was  the  extent  of  his  travels,  as 
well  as  mine,  towards  the  north-well.  As  the  feafon 
wasfo  advanced,  and  the  weather  extremely  cold,  I 
was  not  able  to  make  fo  many  obfervations  on  thcfc 
parts  as  I  otherwifc  Ihould  have  done. 

It  might  however,  perhaps,  be  ncceflary  to  ob- 
ferve,  that  in  the  little  tour  I  made  about  the  Falls, 
after  travelling  fourteen  miles,  by  the  fide  of  the  Mif- 
fiflippi,  I  came  to  a  river  nearly  twenty  yards 
wide,  which  ran  from  the  north  eaft,  called  Rum 
River.  And  on  the  2Qth  of  November  came  tQ 
another  termed  Goofc  River,  about  twelve  yards 
wide.  On  the  21ft  I  arrived  at  the  St.  Francis, 
which  is  about  thirty  yards  wide.  Here  the  MiflilTippi 
itfelf  grows  narrow,  being  not  more  than  ninety 
yards  over  j  and  appears  to  be  chiefly  pompofed  of 
fmall  branches.  The  ice  prevented  me  from  noticing 
the  depth  ofanyof  thefe  tlirce  rivers. 

The  country  in  fome  places  is  hilly,  but  without 
large  mountains  ;  and  the  land  is  tolerably  good.  I 
obferved  here  many  deer  and  carriboos,  fome  elk, 
with  abundance  of  beavers,  otters,  and  otherfurs.  A 
little  above  this,  to  the  north  eaft,  are  a  number  of 
fmall  lakes  called  the  Thoufand  Lakes  j  the  parts 
about  which,  though  but  little  frequented,  are  the 
beft  within  many  miles,  for  hunting,  as  the  hunter 
never  fails  of  returning  loaded  beyond  his  expedla- 
tions.  , 


46  CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 

The  Miffiflippi  has  never  been  explored  higher 
up  than  the  River  St.  Francis,  and  only  by  Father 
Hennipin  and  myfelf  thus  fan  So  that  we  are 
obliged  folely  to  the  Indians,  for  all  the  intelligence 
we  arc  able  to  give  relative  to  the  more  northern 
parts.  As  this  River  is  not  navigable  from  thcv  fea 
for  veffels  of  any  confidcrablc  burthen,  much  higher 
up  than  the  Forks  of  the  Ohio,  and  even  that  is  ac- 
complifhed  with  great  difficulty,  owing  to  the  ra- 
pidity of  the  current,  and  the  winding  of  the  river; 
thofe  fettlemcnts  that  may  be  made  on  the  interior 
banches  of  it,  muft  be  indifputably  fecure  from  the 
attacks  of  any  maritime  power.  But  at  the  fame 
time  the  fettlers  will  have  the  advantage  of  being 
able  to  convey  their  produce  to  the  fea-ports,  with 
great  facility,  the  current  of  the  river  from  its  fource 
to  its  entrance  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  being  ex- 
tremely favorable  fordoing  this  in  fmall craft.  This 
might  alfo  in  time  be  facilitated  by  canals  or  fhorter 
cuts  i  and  a  communication  opened  by  water  with 
New- York,  Canada,  &c.  by  way  of  the  lakes.  The 
Forks  of  the  Ohio  are  about  nine  hundred  miles 
from  the  mouth  of  the  MifTilTippi,  following  the 
courfe  of  the  river  ;  and  the  MelTorie  two  hundred 
miles  above  thele.  From  the  latter  it  is  about  twenty 
miles  to  the  Illinois  River,  and  from  that  to  the  Ou- 
ifconfm,  which  I  have  given  an  account  of,  about 
eight  hundred  more. 


On  the  ^5th  I  returned  to  my  canoe,  which  I  had 
left  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  St.  Pierre  j  and  here 
I  parted  with  regret  from  my  young  friend,  the 
prince  of  the  Winnebagoes.  This  river  being  clear  of 
ice,  by  reafon  of  its  fouthern  fituation,  I  found  no- 
thing to  obftru61:  my  palTagc.  On  the  28th,  being 
advanced  about  forty  miles,  I  arrived  at  a  fmall 
branch  that  fell  into  it  from  the  north  i  to  which,  as 
ir  had  no  name  that  I  ceuld  diflinguilh   it  by,  I  gave 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


47 


I  had 
here 
,  the 
ar  of 
no- 


my  own.  About  forty  miles  higher  up  I  came  to 
the  Forks  of  Verd  and  Ked  Marble  Rivers,  which 
join  at  fome  little  diftancc  before  they  enter  the 
St.  Pierre. 

The  River  St.  Pierre,  at  its  jundion  with  the 
Mifliflippi,  is  about  a  hundred  yards  broad,  and 
continues  that  breadth  nearly  all  the  way  I  failed 
upon  it.  It  has  a  great  depth  of  water,  and  in  fomc 
places  runs  very  brifkly.  About  fifty  miles  from  its 
mouth  are  fome  rapids,  and  n^uch  higher  up  there 
are  many  others. 

I  proceeded  upon  this  river  about  two  hundred 
miles  to  the  country  of  the  Naudowcffies  of  the 
Plains,  which  lies  a  little  above  the  Forks  formed  by 
the  Verd  and  Red  Marble  Rivers,  juft  mentioned, 
where  a  branch  from  the  fouth  nearly  joins  the  Mef- 
fori  River.  By  the  accounts  I  received  from  the 
Indians,  I  have  re  afon  to  believe  that  the  River  St. 
Pierre  and  the  Meflbri,  though  they  enter  the  Mif- 
fiffippi  twelve  hundred  miles  from  each  other,  take 
their  rife  in  the  fame  neighborhood  -,  and  this  within 
the  fpace  ofa  mile. 

The  River  St.  Pierre's  northern  branch  rifes  from 
a  numb'-r  of  lakes  near  the  fhining  mountains  j  and 
it  is  from  fome  of  thefe,  alfo,  that  a  capital  branch  of 
the  River  Bourbon,  which  runs  intoHudfon's  Bay, 
has   its  fourccs. 

From  the  intelligence  I  gained  from  the  Nau- 
dowcffie  Indians,  among  whom  I  arrived  on  the  7th 
of  December,  and  whofe  language  I  perfectly  ac- 
quired during  a  refidencc  of  fiye  months  i  and  alfo 
from  the  accounts  I  afterwards  obtained  from  the 
Affinipoils,  who  fpeak  the  fame  tongue,  being  a  re- 
volted band  of  the  Naudov/c flies  -,  and  from  the  Kil- 


4t  CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 

liiiinocs,  neighbours  of  the  Aflinipoils,  who  fpcak 
the  Chipcway  language,  and  inhabit  the  heads  of  the 
River  Bourbon  ;  I  fay  from  thefe  nations,  together 
with  my  ow"  obfervations,  I  have  learned  that  the 
four  mod  c  .^ital  rivers  on  the  Continent  of  North- 
America,  viz.  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  Miffiffippi,  the 
river  Bourbon,  and  the  Oregon  or  the  river  ot  the 
Weft  (as  I  hinted  in  my  Introduftion)  have  their 
fources  in  the  fame  neighbourhood.  The  waters  of 
the  three  former  are  within  thirty  miles  of  each 
other  i  the  latter,  however  is  rather  further  weft. 

This  fhews  that  thefe  parts  are  the  higheft  lands 
in  North- America;  and  it  is  an  inftance  not  to  be 
paralled  on  the  other  three  quarters  of  the  globe, 
that  four  rivers  of  fuch  magnitude  (hould  take  their 
rife  together,  and  each,  after  running  feparatc  cour- 
les,  difchargcd  their  waters  into  different  oceans  at 
the  diftancc  of  two  thoufand  miles  from  their  fources. 
For  in  their  paflage  from  this  fpot  to  the  bay  of  St. 
Lawrence,  eaft;  to  the  Bay  ot  Mexico,  fouth;  to 
Hudfon's  Bay,  north  j  and  to  the  bay  at  the  Straits 
ofAnnian,  weft,  each  of  thefe  travcrfe  upwards  of 
two  thoufand  miles. 


I  (hall  here  give  my  readers  fuch  rcfle6lions  as 
occurred  to  me,  when  I  had  received  this  intercft- 
ing  information,  and  had  by  numberlefs  enquiries, 
afcertained  the  truth  of  it ;  that  is,  as  far  as  it  was 
poffible  to  arrive  at  a  certainty  without  a  pcrfonal 
invcftigation. 

r 

It  is  well  known  that  the  Colonies,  paiticularly 
thofe  of  New-England  and  Canada,  are  greatly 
afFcdcd,  about  the  time  their  winter  fcts  in,  by  a 
north-weft  wind,  which  continues  for  fe vcral  months, 
and  renders  the  cold  much  more  intenfe  there  than 
it  is  in  the  interior  parts  of  America.     This  I  can. 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


4§ 


from  my  own  knowledge,  alTerr,  as  I  found  the 
winter,  that  I  palled  to  the  weflward  of  the  Mif- 
fifllppi,  far  from  fcvere  -,  and  the  north-well  wind 
blowing  on  thofe  countries  confiderably  more  tem- 
perate than  I  have  often  experienced  it  to  be  nearer 
the  coaft.  And  that  this  did  not  arife  from  an  un- 
certainty of  the  feafons,  but  was  annually  the  cafe^ 
I  conclude,  both  from  the  fmall  quantity  of  fnow 
that  then  fell,  and  a  total  difufe  of  fnow  fhoes 
by  thefe  Indians,  without  which  none  of  the  more 
eallern  nations  can  poflibly  travel  during  the  win- 
ter. . 

As  naturalills  obferve,  that  air  refembles  water 
in  many  refpefts,  particularly  by  often  flowing  in  a 
compad  bodyi  and  that  this  is  generally  remarked 
to  be  with  the  current  of  large  ilreams,  and  feldom 
acrofs  them,  may  not  the  winds  that  fct  viclently 
into  the  Bay  of  Mexico  about  the  latter  end  of  the 
year,  take  rheir  courfe  over  the  continent  in  the  fame 
direction  as  the  Miffiflippi  does  j  till  meeting  the  north 
winds  (that from  a  fimilar  caufe  blow  up  the  Bourbon 
from  Hudfon's  Bay)  they  are  forced  acrofs  the  great 
lakes,  down  the  current  of  the  waters  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  and  united,  commit  thofe  ravages,  and 
occafion  thofe  fevere  winters,  experienced  in  the 
before-mentioned  countries  ?  During  their  progrefs 
over  the  lakes  they  become  expanded,  and  confe- 
quently  affed:  a  greater  trad  of  land  than  they  other- 
wife  would  do. 

According  to  my  fcanty  knowledge  of  natural 
philofophy,  this  c  Des  not  appear  improbable.  Whe- 
ther it  is  agreeabk  to  the  laws  ellablillied  by  natu- 
ralifts  to  account  lor  the  operations  of  that  element, 
I  know  not.  However,  the  dcfcription  here  given 
of  the  fituatvon  of  thefe  vail  bodies  of  water,  and 
their  near  approach  to  each  other,  with  my  own 

G 


50 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


undigefted  fuppoficions  of  their  cfFcft  on  the  winds, 
may  prove  perhaps,  in  abler  hands,  the  means  of 
leading  to  many  uleful  difcoveries. 

On  the  7th  of  December,  I  arrived  (as  I  faid  be- 
fore) at  the  utmoft  extent  of  my  travels  towards  the 
wcftj  where  I  met  with  a  large  party  of  the  Nau- 
doweffie  Indians,  among  whom  irefidedfeven  months. 
Thefe  conftituted  a  part  of  the  eight  bands  of  the 
Naudoweflics  of  the  Plains ;  and  are  termed  the  Waw- 
peentcwahs,  the  Tintons,  the  Afrahcootans,  the 
Mawhaws,  andthe  Schians.  The  other  three  bands, 
whofc  names  are,  the  Schianefe,  the  Chongoufce- 
ton,  and  the  Waddapawjeftin,  dwell  higher  up, 
to  the  weft  of  the  river  St.  Pierre,  on  plains  that, 
according  to  their  account,  are  unbounded  j  and  pro- 
bably terminate  on  the  coaft  of  the  Pacific  Ocean. 
The  Naudoweflie  nation,  wh«n  united,  confifts  of 
more  than  two  thoufand  warriors.  The  Affinipoils, 
who  revolted  from  them,  amount  to  about  three 
hundred  i  and  leagued  with  the  Killiftinoes,  live  in  a 
eontinualftate  of  enmity  with  the  other  eleven  bands. 

As  I  proceeded  up  the  river  St.  Pierre,  and  had 
nearly  reached  the  place  where  thefe  people  were 
encamped,  I  obferved  two  or  three  canoes  coming 
down  the  ftream  j  but  no  fooner  had  the  Indians 
chat  were  on  board  them,  difcovered  us,  than  they 
rowed  towards  the  land,  and  leaping  alhore  with 
precipitation,  left  their  canoes  to  float  as  the  current 
drove  them.  In  a  few  minutes  I  perceived  fomc 
others  j  who.  as  foon  as  they  came  In  fight,  fol- 
lowed, with  equal  fpecd,  the  example  of  their  coun- 
trymen. 

I  now  thought  it  neceflary  to  proceed  with  cau- 
tion; and  therefore  kept  on  the  fide  of  the  river 
oppofite  to  that  on  which  the  Indians  had  landed. 


^j  A  R  V  5  ^'s    T  R  A  V  E  I.  S. 


$» 


However,  I  ftill  continueii  my  courfc,  facisfied  that 
the  pipe  of  peace,  which  was  fixed  at  the  head  of 
my  canoe,  and  the  Englilh  colours  that  were  flying 
at  the  i\eraj  would  prove  my  fecurity.  After  rowing 
about  half  a  mile  further,  in  turning  a  point,  I  dil- 
covered  a  great  number  of  tents,  and  more  than  a 
thoufand  Indians,  at  a  little  diftance  from  the  iho-^. 
3eing  now  nearly  oppofice  to  them,  I  ordered  my 
men  to  pull  directly  over,  as  I  was  willing  to  con- 
yince  the  Indians  by  fuch  a  ftep,  that  I  placed  feme 
confidence  in  them. 


As  foon  as  I  had  reached  the  land,  two  of  the 
chiefs  prefented  their  hands  to  me,  and  led  me, 
amidll  the  aftonifhing  multituJe,  who  had  mod  of 
them  never  feen  a  white  man  before,  to  a  tent. 
Into  this  we  entered,  and  accordin<^  to  the  cullom 
that  univerfally  prevails  among  every  Indian  nation, 
began  to  frnoke  the  pipe  of  peace.  We  had  not 
Idt  long  before  the  crowd  became  fo  great,  both 
around,  and  upon  the  tent,  that  we  were  in  danger 
of  being  cruflied  by  its  fall.  Qn  this  we  returned 
to  the  plain,  where,  having  gratified  the  curio- 
fity  of  the  common  people,  their  wonder  abated 
and  eyer  after  they  treated  me  vyith  great  rcfped. 

From  the  chiefs  J  met  with  the  moft  friendly  and 
hofpitable  reception  j  which  induced  me,  as  the 
feafon  was  fo  far  advanced,  to  take  up  my  refidence 
among  them  during  the  winter.  To  render  my 
Hay  as  comfortable  as  poifible,  I  firft  endeavoured 
to  learn  their  language.  This  I  fooq  d'd,  fo  as  to 
make  myfelf  perfectly  intelligible,  having  before 
acquired  Ibme  flight  knowledge  of  the  language  of 
thofe  Indians  that  live  on  the  back  of  the  fettlcments; 
and  in  confequence  met  with  every  accommodatioh 
their  manner  of  living  would  afford.  Nor  did  I 
yf^nt  for  fuch  amufements  as  tended  to  make  fo 


2ft 


C  A  R  V  E  R'3     TRAVELS. 


long  a  period  pafs  cheerfully  away.  I  frequently 
hunted  with  them;  and  at  other  time  beheld  with 
pleafure  their  recreations  and  paftimes,  which  T  fhall 
defcribe  herertfter. 

Sometimes  I  ^;t  with  the  chii.'fs,  and  whild  we 
fmpked  the  friendly  pipe,  entertained  them,  in 
return  for  the  account:]  thev  p-ave  me  of  their  wars 
and  excurfions,  with  a  narrative  of  my  own  adven- 
tures, 2nd  a  dcfcription  of  ?11  the  battles  fought  be- 
ivveen  the  Englifli  and  French  in  America,  in  many 
of  which  I  had  a  pcrfonal  fiiare.  They  alvayspaid 
great  attention  to  my  details,  and  afkcd  many  per- 
tinent queftions  relative  to  the  European  methods 
of  making  war. 

I  held  thefe  converfations  with  them  in  a  jrreat 
mcafure  to  procure  from  them  fome  information 
relative  to  the  chief  point  I  had  condantly  in  view, 
that  of  gaining  a  knowledge  of  the  fituation  and 
produce,  both  of  their  own  country,  and  thofe  that 
lay  to  the  weftward  of  them.  Nor  was  I  difappointcd 
inmydefigns;  fori  procured  from  them  much  ufe- 
ful  intelligence.  They  likewife  drew  for  me  plans 
of  all  the  countries  with  which  they  were  acquainted^ 
but  as  I  entertained  no  great  opinion  of  their  geo- 
graphical knov/ledge,  I  placed  not  much  depen- 
dence on  them,  and  therefore  think  it  unneceflkry 
to  give  them  to  the  public.  They  draw  with  a 
piece  of  burnt  coal,  taken  H-opi  the  hearth,  upon 
jche  infide  bark  of  the  birch  tree ;  which  is  as  fmooth 
as  paper,  and  anfwers  the  fame  purpofes,  not- 
withftanding  it  is  of  a  yellow  caft.  Their  llcetches 
are  matie  in  a  rude  manner,  but  they  feem  to  give 
us  as  juft  an  idea  of  a  country,  although  the  plan 
is  not  fo  exa<ft,  as  more  experienced  draughtfmej] 
poiild  do.  ,        ,   . 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


•53 


I  left  the  habitations  of  thefe  hofpitabic  Indians 
the  latter  end  of  April  1767;  but  did  not  part  from 
them -for  fcvcral  days,  as  I  wao  accompanied  on  my 
journey  by  near  three  hundred  of  them,  among  whom 
were  many  chiefs,  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  Pierre. 
At  this  feafon,  thefe  bands  annually  go  to  the  Great 
Cave,  before  mentioned,  to  hold  a  grand  council 
with  all  the  other  bands;  wherein  they  fettle  their 
operations  for  the  cnfuing  year.  At  the  fame  time 
they  carry  with  them  their  dead,  for  interment, 
bound  up  in  buffaloes'  fldns.  Befides  thofe  that 
accompanied  me,  others  were  gone  before,  and  the 
reft  were  to  follow. 


rrreat 


uff- 

plans 

Intedj 

geo- 


Never  did  I  travel  with  fo  cheerful  and  happy  a 
company.  But  their  mirth  met  with  a  Hidden  and 
temporary  allay  from  a  violent  ftorm  that  overtook 
us  one  day  on  our  paflage.  We  had  jurt  landed, 
and  were  preparing  to  fet  up  our  tents  for  the  night, 
when  a  heavy  cloud  ovcrfpread  the  heavens,  and 
the  moft  dreadful  thunder,  lightning,  and  rain  iffued 
from  it,  that  ever  I  beheld. 

The  Indians  were  greatly  terrified,  and  ran  to 
fuch  flicker  as  they  could  find ;  for  only  a  few  tents 
were  as  yet  eredled.  Apprchenfive  of  the  danger 
that  might  enfue  from  ftanding  near  any  thing 
which  could  ferve  for  a  condu61:or,  as  the  cloud 
appeared  to  contain  fuch  an  uncommon  quantity 
of  eledtrical  fluid,  1  took  my  ftand  as  far  as  pofllble 
from  any  covering;  chufing  rather  to  be  expofed 
to  the  peltings  of  the  fliorm,  than  to  receive  a  fatal 
ftroke.  At  tl/is  the  Indians  were  greatly  furprifed, 
and  drew  conclufions  from  it  not  unfavorable  to  the 
opinion  they  already  entertained  of  my  refolution. 
Yet  I  acknowledge  that  I  was  never  more  afl^edled 
in  my  life ;  for  nothing  fcarcely  could  exceed  the 
terrific  fcene,     The  peals  of  thunder  were  fo  lout? 


5+ 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


that  they  (hook  the  earth;  and  the  lightning flafhed 
along  the  ground  in  flreams  of  fulphur;  ih  that  the 
Indian  chiefs  themfeivcs,  althoujrh  their  courage 
in  war  is  ufually  invincible,  could  not  help  tremb- 
ling at  the  horrid  combuftion.  As  foon  as  the 
ftorm  was  over,  they  Hocked  around  me,  and  in- 
formed me,  that  it  was  a  proof  of  the  anger  of  the 
evil  fpirits,  whom  they  were  apprehenfivc  that  they 
had  highly  offended. 

Wht  v;  rrivcd  at  the  Great  Cave,  and  t!ie  In- 
dians ha;;  ifpor'ted  the  remains  of  their  deceafcd 
friends  in  ;j  ol'^'iI  place  that  ftands  adjacent  to  it, 
they  held  their  gie^t  council,  into  which  I  was  ad- 
mitted, and  ar  the  fame  time  had  the  honor  to  be 
inftalled  or  adopted  a  chief  of  their  bands.  On  this 
occafion  I  made  the  following  fpeech,  which  I  infcrt, 
to  give  my  readers  a  fpecimen  of  the  language  and 
manner  in  which  it  i^  neceffary  to  addrefs  the  Indi- 
ans, fo  as  to  engage  their  attention,  and  to  render 
the  fpeaker's  expreffion  confonant  to  their  ideas.  It 
was  delivered  on  the  firft  day  of  May  1767. 

5'  My  brothers,  chiefs  of  the  numerous  andpow- 
"  erful  Nctudoweffies !  I  rejoice  that  through  my 
"  long  abode  with  you,  I  can  now  fpeak  to  you 
'*  (though  after  an  imperfefl  manner)  in  your  own 
*'  tongue,  like  one  of  your  own  children.  I  rejoice 
^*  aifo  that  1  have  had  an  opportunity  fo  frequently 
."  to  inform  you  of  the  glory  and  power  of  the  Great 
"  King  that  reigns  over  the  Englifli  and  other  nati- 
*'  onsj  who  is  defcended  from  a  very  ancient  race 
"  of  fovereigns,  as  pld  as  the  earth  and  waters; 
<"  whofe  feet  (land  on  two  great  iflands,  larger  than 
f  any  you  have  ever  feen,  amidft  the  grcatcft  waters 
"  in  the  world;  whofe  head  reaches  to  the  fun,  and 
*' whofe  arms  encircle  the  whole  earth;  the  num- 
f  *  ber  of  whofe  warriors  arc  equal  to  the  trees  in  th^e 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


55 


t( 

a 
tt 
ti 
(( 
f( 
<( 

(C 
(C 
(C 

<c 

IC 

a 

re 

(C 

il 
(t 
it 


vallics,  the  ftalks  of  rice  in  yonder  marlhes,  or 
the  blades  of  grafs  on  your  great  plains :  who  has 
hundreds  of  canoes  of  his  own,  of  fuch  amazing 
bignefs,  that  all  the  waters  in  your  coirmry  would 
not  fuffice  for  one  of  them  to  fwim  in;  each  of 
which  have  guns,  not  fmall  like  mine,  which  ycii 
fee  before  you,  but  of  fuch  magnitude,  that  an 
hundred  of  your  ftouteft  young  men  would  with 
difficulty  be  able  to  carry  one.  And  thefe  are 
equally  furprifing  in  their  operation  againft  the 
great  king'a  er^mies  when  engaged  in  battle ;  the 
terror  they  carry  with  them,  your  language  wants 
words  to  exprefs.  You  may  remember  the  other 
day  when  we  were  encamping  at  Wadawp^ 
menefotor,  the  black  clouds,  the  wind,  the  hit, 
the  ftupendous  noifc,  the  horrible  cracks,  anu  ^\* 
trembling  of  the  earth,  which  then  alarme  ^  Ov , 
and  gave  you  reafon  to  think  your  god^  w^ic 
angry  with  youj  not  unlike  thefe  are  the  -  -li'-.c 
implements  of  the  Englifli,  when  they  are  nght- 
ing  the  battles  of  their  great  king. 


cc 

t( 
f< 
<( 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 


"  Several  of  the  chiefs  of  your  bands  have  often 
told  me,  in  times  paft,  when  I  dwelt  with  you 
in  your  tents,  that  they  much  wiflicd  to  be  counted 
among  the  children  and  allies  of  the  great  king 
my  mafter.  You  may  remember  how  often  you  , 
have  defircd  me,  when  I  returned  again  to  my 
own  country,  to  acquaint  the  great  king  of  your 
good  difpofition  towards  him  and  his  fubjedts,  and 
that  you  wiihcd  for  traders  from  the  Englifh  to 
come  among  you. 


"  Being  now  about  to  take  my  leave  of  you,  and 
to  return  to  my  own  country,  along  way  towards 
the  rifing  fun,  I  again  aik  you  to  tell  me  whether 
you  continue  of  the  fame  mind  as  when  I  fpoke  to 
**  you  in  council  laft  winter  j  and  as  there  are  now 


<f 


(C 


cc 


56 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


"  fcvcral  of  your  chiefs  here,  who  came  from  the 
"  great  plains  towards  the  fetting  of  the  fun,  whom  I 
"  have  never  fpokc  with  in  council  before,  I  afk  you 
"  to  let  me  know  if  you  arc  all  willing  to  acknow- 
"  ledge  yourfclves  the  children  of  my  great  mafter 
"  the  King  of  the  Englifh  and  other  nations,  as  f 
"  Ihall  take  the  firft  oj)portunity  to  acquaint  him  of 
"  your  dcfires  and  good  intentions. 

"  I  charge  you  not  to  give  heed  to  bad  reports  ; 
"  for  there  are  wicked  birds  flying  about  among  the 
"  neighbouring  nations,  who  may  whifper  evil 
**  things  in  your  ears  againft  the  Englifh,  contrary 
"  to  what  I  have  told  you  ;  you  muft  not  believe 
"  them,  for  I  have  told  you  the  truth. 

"  And  as  for  the  chiefs  that  are  about  to  go  to 
"  Michillimackinac,  I  fhall  take  rare  to  make  for 
'■'  them  and  their  fuit,  a  ftraight  road,  fmooth  waters, 
"  and  a  clear  fkyj  that  they  may  go  there,  and 
"  fmoke  the  pipe  of  peace,  and  reft  fecure  on  a 
"  beaver  blanket  under  the  Ihade  of  the  great  tree 
"  of  peace.     Farewell !  '* 

To  this  fpeech  I  received  the  following  anfwer, 
from  the  mouth  of  the  principal  chief: 


(( 

{C 
(C 
(C 

cc 
fc 

i 
(C 

cc 

(C 

cc 


*'  Good  brother  !  I  am  now  about  to  fpeak  to  you 
with  the  mouths  of  thefe  my  brothers,  chiefs  of  the 
eight   bands  of  the   powerful  nation  of  the  Nau- 

dowcflies.  We  believe  and  are  well  fatisfied  in 
the  truth  of  every  thing  you  have  told  us  about 
your  great  nation,  and  the  great  king  our  greateft 
father ;  for  whom  we  fpread  this  beaver  blanket, 
that  his  fatherly  protection  may  ever  relt  eafy  and 
fafe  amongft  us  his  children:  your  colours  and  your 
arms  agree  with  the  accounts  you  have  given  us 
about  your  great  nation.    We  defire  that  when  you 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s    TRAVELS. 


87 


*'  return,  you  will  acquaint  the  great  king  how 
"  much  the  Naudoweflies  wilh  t.  be  counted  among 
"  his  good  ciiildrcn. 

"  You  may  believe  us  when  we  tell  you  that  we 
"  will  not  optn  our  ears  to  any  who  may  dare  to 
"  fpeak.  evil  ot"  our  great  father  the  king  of  the  Eng- 
*'  lilh  and  other  nations. 

**  We  thank  you  for  what  you  done  for  us  in  mak- 
"  ing  peace  between  the  Naudoweflies  and  the  Chipc- 
"  ways,  and  hope  when  you  return  to  us  again,  that 
"  you  will  complete  this  good  work ;  and  quite 
"  difpelling  the  clouds  that  intervene,  open  the  blue 
**  fky  of  peace,  and  caufe  the  bloody  hatchet  to  be 
"  deep  buried  under  the  roots  of  the  great  tree  of 
"  peace. 

"  We  wifli  you  to  remember  to  reprefent  to  our 
"  great  father,  how  muchwedefire  that  traders  may 
"  be  fenc  to  abide  among  us  with  fuch  things  as  w^e 
**  need,  that  the  hearts  of  our  young  men,  our 
"  wives,  and  children  may  be  made  glad.  And  may 
"  peace  fubfift  between  us,  fo  long  as  the  fun,  the 
"  moon,  the  earth,  and  the  waters  (hall  indure. 
"  Farewell !" 

I  thought  it  neceflary  to  caution  the  Indians  againft 
giving  heed  to  any  bad  reports  that  may  reach  them 
from  the  neighbouring  nations,  to  the  difadvantage 
of  th'-  Englifli,  as  I  had  heard,  at  different  places 
through  which  I  palTed  that  ^^miflaries  were  ftill  em- 
ployed by  the  French  to  detach  thofe  who  were 
friendly  to  the  Englilh,  from  their  intereft.  And  I 
faw,  myfelf,  feveral  belts  of  Wampum  that  had  been 
delivered  for  this  purpofe  to  fome  of  the  tribes  I  was 
among.      Qn  the  delivery  of  each  of  thefc,  a  Talk 

H 


J8 


e  ,^  R  V  E  R's      TRAVELS. 


was  held,  wherein  the  Indians  were  told  thatthe  Eng- 
lifli,  who  were  but  a  petty  people,  had  Hole n  that 
country  from  their  great  father  the  king  of  Francej 
whillt  he  was  aflcep  j  but  that  he  would  foon  awake, 
and  take  them  again  under  his  protection.  Thcle 
I  found  were  fcntfrom  Canada,  by  perfons  who  ap- 
peared to  be  well  alfeded  towards  the  government 
under  whic!i  they  hved. 

Whilft  I  tarried  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  St. 
Pierre,  with  thefe  friendly  Indians,  I  endeavoured  to 
gain  intelligence  whether  any  goods  had  been  fent 
towards  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony  for  my  ufe,  agree- 
able to  the  promife  I  had  received  from  the  go- 
vernor when  I  left  Michillimackinac.  But  finding 
from  fome  Indians,  who  paflcd  by  in  their  return 
from  thofe  parts,  that  this  agreement  had  not  been 
fulfilled,  I  was  obliged  to  give  up  all  thoughts  of 
proceed!  r)g  further  Co  the  north-weft  by  this  route, 
according  to  my  original  plan.  I  therefore  returned 
to  La  Prairie  le  Chicn,  where  I  procured  as  many 
goods  from  the  traders  I  left  there  the  preceding 
ye^r,  a$  they  could  fparc* 

As  thefe,  however,  were  not  fufficient  to  enable 
me  to  renew  my  firft  defign  I  determined  to  endea- 
vour to  mak  e  my  way  acrofs  the  country  of  the 
Chipeways  to  Lake  Superior  -,  in  hopes  of  meet- 
ing at  the  Grand  Portage  on  the  north  fide  of  it, 
the  traders  that  annua]ly  go  frotn  MichiUimackinac 
to  the  north  weft  j  of  whprn  I  doubted  not  but  that 
I  Ihould  be  able  to  prp(f^)re  goods  enough  to  anfwcr 
my  purpofe,  and  alfo  to  penetrate  through  thofe 
iriore  liorthern  parts  to  the  3tr^it$  of  Annian. 

A,nd  I  the  more  readily  re turn<4  to  La  Prairiq  Ic 
Chkn,  s^s  I  cqlu14  by.  ija^p,  na^an^  the  btctttr  fulfijl  tho 


G  A  R  V  E  R's    t  R  A  V  E  I.  S. 


$0 


engagement  I  had  made  to  the  party  of  NaudoWfef- 
fics  mentioned  at  tlie  conclufion  ofmy  fpecch. 

During  my  nbode  with  this  f^ctoi-kie,  wifh/mg  to  fc- 
cure  them  entirely  in  the  inutreft  of  the  Englifh,  I 
had  advifcd  fomc  of  the  chiefs  to  go  to  Michilli- 
inackinac,  where  they  vraM  have  an  opportunity 
of  trading,  and  of  lirarin^ij  the  accounts  thi.t  I  had  en- 
tertained them  with  of  my  countrymen,  confirmed. 
At  the  fame  time  I  had  furniih»?d  them  with  £t  reconi- 
aiendationt6  the  governor,  and  giver)  **them  every 
direction  necelfary  for  their  voyage. 

In  confequence  of  this,  one  of  the  principal  chiefs, 
and  twenty-five  of  an  inferior  rank,  agreed  to  go 
the  enfuing  fummer.  This  they  took  an  opportu- 
nity of  doing  when  they  came  with  tht  rcfl:  of  thei!- 
band  tt)  attend  the%fhtiddOuncil  at  the  mouth  ofthfe 
River  St.  Pierre,  mmg  obliged,  oh  account  of  the 
difappoirttfhent  I  had  jwft  been  informed  of,  to  re-- 
turn  fo  far  down  the  jViifT.fijppi,  J  could  from  thenc^ 
tiic  more  eafil^  fetthemort  thtir  journey. 

As  th€  interrtiedlate  p^rts  of  this  Hver  are  much 
frequented  by  the  Chipev/ays,  with  whom  the  Nau- 
doweffles  are  continually  at  war,  th^y  thought  it 
more  prudent,  being  but  a  fmall  party,  to  take  thfc 
advantage  of  the  night,  than  to  travel  AVith  me  by- 
Hay  ;  accordingly  no  riSfiner  was  the*  grind  couricrl 
broke  up,  than  I  todk  a  friendly  leave  of  thefc  peo- 
ple, ffOrrt  whom  i  had  received  innumerable  civiH? 
ties,  ahd  pur  fued  oripti  ihgre  t^y  voyage, 

I  reached  the  c'aftcrn  fide  of  Lake  Pepin  the  (^rtt^ 
night,  where  I  went  alhore  aild  encarhped  as  uftitrL 
The  next  morning,  when  I  had  proceeded  fome  miles 
further,  I  perceived  at  a  diftance  before' me,  a  frhoke, 
which  derioted  that  fonie  Indians  w'ere  rtear  j  apd  in 


.6p 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


a  ftiort  time  difcovered  ten  or  twelve  tents,  not  far 
from  the  bank  of  the  river.  As  I  whs  apprehenfive 
that  this  was  a  party  of  the  Rovers  I  had  before  met 
with,  I  knew  not  what  courfe  to  purfuc.  My  atten- 
dants perfuaded  me  to  L'ndeavour  to  pafs  by  them  on 
the  oppofite  fide  of  the  river  ;  but  as  I  had  hithertp 
found  that  the  beft  way  to  enfure  a  friendly  recep- 
.tion  from  the  Indians,  is  to  meet  them  boldly,  and 
without  ihevv^ing  any  tokens  of  fear,  I  v;ould  by  no 
rnenns  confent  to  their  propofal.  Infcead  of  this  I 
craflTed  diycSily  over,  and  landed  in  the  midil  of 
them,  for  by  this  time  tlie  greateft  part  of  them  were 
ilanding  on  the  fliore. 

The  firft  I  accofted  were  .Chipeways  inhabiting 
near  the  Qttowaw  Lakes ;  who  received  me  with 
great  cordiality,  and  (hook  me  by  the  hand  in  token 
"of  friendlhip.  At  fome  littlc'^iitance  behind  thefe 
ilood  a  chief  remarkably  pll  anitfVell  made,  but  of 
fo  ftern  an  afped,  that  the  molt  undaunted  perfon 
could  not  behold  him  without  feelins:  fome  deoree 
of  terror.  He  leeraed  to  haye  palled  the  meridian 
of  life,  and  by  the  mode  in  which  he  was  painted  and 
tatowed,  I  difcovered  that  he  was  pfhigh  rank.  How- 
ever, I  approached  him  in  a  courteous  manner,  and 
expefted  to  have  met  with  the  fame  reception  I  had 
done  frorh  the  other  ;  but  to  my  great  furprife,  he 
withheld  hishand,  and  looking  fiercely  q.t  me,  faid, 
in  the  Chipeway  tongu*^,  "Cj^fifin  nifhifliin  faganofh,'* 
that  is,  *'  The  J^nglifhare  no  good,"  A«  he  had  his 
pmahawk  in  his  hand,  lexpeded  that  this  laconic 
fentence  would  haye  been  followed  by  a  blow;  to 
pt.-,rent  which,  I  drew  a  piftol  from  my  belt,  and, 
holding  it  in  a  carelefs  pofition,  pafied  clofe  by  him, 
to  let  him  fee  I  vi^as  not  afraid  of  him. 

I  learned  foon  after  from  the  other  Indians,  that 
%b\s  was  a  chief,  called  by  che   French,  the  Granc) 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


6$ 


3autor,  or  the  Great  Chipcwa.y  Chief,  for  they  de- 
nominate the  Chipeway,  Sautors.  They  likewife 
told  me  that  he  had  been  always  a  fteady  friend  to 
that  people,  and  when  they  delivered  up  Michilli- 
mackinac  to  the  Englilh  on  their  evacuation  of  Ca- 
nada, the  Gr?nd  Sautor  ha(J  fworn  that  he  would  ever 
remain  the  avowed  enemy  of  its  new  pofleflbrs,  a$ 
the  territories  on  which  the  fort  is  built  belonged 
to  him. 

Finding  him  thus  difpofed,  I  took  care  to  be  con- 
flantly  upon  my  guard  whilft  I  ftaid  j  but  that  he 
might  not  fuppofe  I  was  driven  away  by  his  frowns, 
1  took  up  my  abode  there  for  the  night,  I  pitched 
my  tent  at  fome  diftance  from  the  Indians,  and  had 
no  fooner  laid  myfelf  down  to  reft,  than  1  was 
awakened  by  my  jFrench  fervant.  Having  been 
alarmed  by  the  found  of  Indian  mufic,  he  had  run 
to  the  outfide  of  the  tent,  where  he  beheld  a  party  of 
the  young  favages  dancing  towards  us  in  an  extra- 
ordinary manner,  each  carrying  in  his  hand  a  torch 
jfixed  on  the  top  of  a  long  pole.  But  I  fhall  defer 
any  further  account  of  this  uncommon  entertain- 
ment, which  at  once  furprifed  and  alarmed  nie,  till 
I  treat  of  the  Indian  dances,       » 


« 


The  next  morning  I  continued  my  voyage,  and 
before  night  reached  La  Pfairic  leChienjat  which 
place  the  party  of  NaudowelHes  foon  overtook  me. 
Not  long  after  the  Grand  Sautor  alfo  arrived,  and 
beior;  the  Naudoweflies  left  that  place  to  continue 
their  journey  to  Michillimackinac,  he  found  means, 
in  conjunftion  wjth  fome  French  traders  from  Loui- 
fiana,  to  draw  from  me  about  ten  of  the  Naudoweflie 
chiefs,  whom  he  prevailed  upon  to  go  towards  thole 
parts. 


62 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


y 


The  remainder  proceeded,  according  to  my  di- 
redions,  to  the  Englifh  fort ;  from  whence  I  after- 
wards heard  that  they  returned  to  their  own  country 
viihout  any  iinfortunate  accident  befalling  them, 
and  greatly  pleafed  with  the  reception  they  had  met 
with.  Whilft  not  more  than  half  of  thole  who  went 
to  the  fouthward,  through  the  difference  of  that 
fouthern  climate  from  their  own,  lived  to  reach  their 
abode.  And  fince  I  came  to  En2:land  I  have  been 
inforrned,  that  the  Grand  Sautor  having  rendered 
himfelf  more  and  more  dilguftful  to  the  Englifh, 
by  his  inveterate  enmity  towards  them,  was  at 
length  dabbed  in  his  tent,  as  he  encamped  near  Mi- 
chillimackinac,  by  a  trader  to  whom  I  had  related 
the  foregoing  ftory. 

I  Ihould  have  remarked,  that  wh.atevcr  Indians 
happen  to  meet  at  La  Prairie  Ic  Chien,  the  great 
mart  to  which  all  who  inhabit  the  adjacent  countries 
rcforr,  though  the  nations  to  which  they  belong 
are  at  war  with  each  other,  yet  they  are  obliged  to 
reftrain  their  enmicy,  and  to  forbear  all  hoftile  a€ls 
during  their  ftay  there.  This  regulation  has  been 
long  eftablillied  among  them  for  their  mutual  con- 
veniences, as  without  it  no  trade  coukt  be  carried 
on.  The  fame  rule  is  obferved  alfo  at  the  Heel 
Mountain  (afterwards  defcribed)  from  whence  they 
get  the  ftone  of  which  they  make  their  pipes:  thefe 
being  indifpcnfable  to  the  accommodation  o^  every 
neighbouring  tribe,  a  fimilar  reftri6!iofi  becomes 
needful,  and  is  of  public  utility. 

The  river  St.  Pierre,  wrhich  runs  through  the 
territories  of  the  Naudoweflics,  flows  through  a 
mo(t  delightful  country,  abounding  with  all  the  ne- 
celfaries  cf  life,  that  grow  fpontaneoufly;  and  with 
a  little  cultivation  it  might  be  made  to  produce  even 
the  luxuries  of  life.     Wild  rice  grows  here  in  great 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


6j 


abundance  -,  and  every  part  is  filled  with  trees  bend- 
ing under  their  loads  of  fruits,  fuch  as  plums, 
grapes,  andaprplesj  the  meadows  r.re  covered  with 
hops,  and  many  forts  of  vegetables  j  whilft  the 
ground  is  ftored  with  ufeful  roots,  with  angelica, 
ipikenard,  and  ground-nuts  as  large  as  hens'  eggs. 
At  a  little  diftance  from  the  fides  of  the  river  are 
eminences,  from  which  you  have  views  that  cannot 
be  exceeded  even  by  the  moll  beautiful  of  thole  I 
have  already  defcribed  j  amidil  thcfe  are  delightful 
groves,  and  fuch  amazing  quantities  of  maples,  that 
they  would  produce  fugar  fufficient  for  any  number 
of  inhabitants. 

A  little  way  from  the  mouth  of  this  river,  on  the 
north  fide  of  it,  ftands  a  hill,  one  part  of  which, 
that  towards  the  Miffiflippi,  is  compofed  entirely  af 
white  ftone,  of  the  fame  foft  nature  as  that  1  have 
before  defcribed  i  for  fuch,  indeed,  is  all  the  ftone 
in  this  country.  But  what  appears  remarkable,  is> 
that  the  colour  of  it  is  as  white  as  the'driven  fnow. 
The  outv/ard  part  of  it  was  crumbled  by  the  wind 
and  weather  into  heaps  of  fand,  of  which  a  beautiful 
compofition  might  be  made;  or,  I  am  of  opinion 
that,  when  properly  treated,  the  ftone  itfelf  would 
grow  harder  by  time,  and  Ijave  a  very  noble  effeft 
in  architedure. 


Near  that  branch  which  is  termed  the  Marble 
River,  is  a  mountain,  from  whence  the  Indians  gee 
a  fort  of  red  ftone,  out  of  which  they  hew  the  bowls- 
of  their  pipes.  In  fome  of  thefe  parts  is  found  a 
black,  hard  clay,  or  rather  ftone,  of  which  the 
Naudoweflies  make  their  family  utenfils.  This- 
country  likewife  abounds  with  a  milk-white  clay,, 
of  which  China  ware  might  be  made  equal  in  good - 
nt^{sL  to  the  Afiatic  j  and  alfo  with  a  blue  clay  thai: 
ferves  the  Indians^  for  paint,  with  this  la  ft  they  con- 


54 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


trivc,  by  mixing  it  with  the  red  flone  powdered, 
to  paint  themfelves  of  different  colours.  Thofe  that 
cangetthe  blueclay  here  mentioned,  paint  themfelves 
very  much  with  itj  particularly  when  they  arc  about 
to  begin  their  fports  and  paftimes.  It  is  alfo  efteemed 
by  them  a  mark  of  peace,  as  it  has  a  referablance 
of  a  blue  fky,  which  with  them  is  a  fymbol  of  it, 
and  made  ufe  of  in  their  fpeeches  as  a  figurative 
cxprelfion  to  denote  peace.  When  they  wifh  to 
fhew  that  their  inclinations  are  pacific  towards  other 
tribes,  they  greatly  ornament  both  themfelves  and 
their  belts  with  it. 


Having  concluded  my  bufinefs  at  La  Prairi  :•  Ic 
Chien,  I  proceeded  once  more  up  the  Miffiflippi, 
as  far  as  the  place  where  the  Chipeway  River  'inters 
it  a  little  below  Lake  Pepin.  Here,  having  en- 
gaged an  Indian  pilot,  I  direded  him  to  fteer  tov/.;  ^  ds 
the  Ottawaw  Lakes,  which  lie  near  the  head  of  <  jis 
river.     This  he  did,  and  I  arrived  at  theni  r.b^  oe  • 


gmnw.gof  July. 


The  Chipeway  River,  at  its  jund'c  i  ,vkH  i;he 
Miiriffippi,  is  about  eighty  yards  wiJe,  but  is  much 
wider  as  you  advaiicc  into  it.  Near  thirty  miles 
up  it  feparates  into  mo  br,  .-"ches,  and  I  took  my 
courfe  through  tliat  which  )ic£  lo  the  eailward. 

The  country  adjoining  to  the  river,  for  about 
fixty  miles,  is  very  level,  and  on  its  banks  lie 
fine  meadows,  where  larger  droves  of  buffaloes  ami 
elks  were  feeding,  than  I  had  obferved  in  any  other 
part  of  my  travels.  The  track  between  the  two 
branches  of  this  river  is  termed  the  Road  of  war 
between  the  Chipeway  and  Naudowcffie  Indians. 

The  country  to  the  Falls  is  almoft  without  any 
timber,  and  ajove  that  very  uneven  and  rugged. 


CARVER.    TRAVELS.  6^ 

and  clofcly  wooded  with  pines,  beaich,  maple,  and 
birch.  Here  a  moll  remarkable  and  'aftonifhing 
fight  preiented  itfclf  to  my  view.  In  a  wood,  on 
the  call  of  the  river,  which  was  about  three  quarters 
of  a  mile  in  length,  and  in  depth  further  than  my 
eye  could  reach,  I  obfcrved  that  every  tree,  many 
of  v/hich  were  more  than  fix  feet  in  circumference, 
was  lying  fiat  on  the  ground,  torn  up  by  the  roots. 
This  appeared  to  have  been  done  by  fome  extraor- 
dinary hurricane,  that  came  from  the  wefl  fame 
years  agoj  but  how  many  I  could  not  learn,  as  1 
found  no  inhabitants  near  it,  of  whom  I  could 
gain  information.  The  country  on  the  weft  fide 
of  the  river,  from,  being  lefs  v/oody,  had  efcaped  in 
a  great  meafure  this  havoc,  as  only  a  few  trees  were 
blown  down. 

Near  the  heads  of  this  river.  Is  a  town  of  the  Chi- 
pcways,  from  whence  it  takes  its  name.  It  is  ficuated 
on  each  fide  of  the  river  (which  at  this  place  is  of  no 
confiderable  breadth)  and  lies  adjacent  to  the  banks  of 
a  fmall  lake.  This  town  contains  about  forty  houfes, 
and  can  fend  out  upwards  of  one  hundred  warriors, 
many  of  whom  were  fine,  ftout  young  men.  The 
houfes  of  it  are  built  after  the  Indian  manner,  and 
have  neat  plantations  behind  them  j  but  the  inhab'- 
tants,  in  general,  fsemed  to  be  the  nafticft  people 
I  had  ever  been  among.  I  obfcrved  that  thewo'  ca 
and  children  indulged  thcmfelves  in  a  cuftom,  ^  .ch 
though  common,  in  fome  degree,  throughout  cry 
Indian  nation,  appears  to  be,  according  to  our  leas, 
of  the  moft  nauicous  and  indelicate  nature;  .lat  of 
fcarching  each  other's  head,  and  eating  t-^c  prey 
caught  therein. 

In  July  I  left  this  town,  and  having  crofHrd  a 
number  of  fmali  lakes  and  carrying  Dlaces  that  inter- 

I 


66 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS 


vcnedj  came  to  a  head  branch  of  the  river  St. 
Croix.  This  branch  I  defcended  to  a  fork,  and 
then  afccnded  another  to  its  fource.  On  both  thefe 
rivers  1  difcovered  feveral  mines  of  virgin  cop- 
per, which  was  as  pure  aa  that  found  in  any  other 
country. 

Here  1  came  to  a  fmall  brook,  which  my  guide 
thought  might  be  joined  at  fome  diftance  by  flreartis 
that  would  at  length  render  it  navigable.  The 
water  at  firft  was  fo  fcanty,  that  my  canoe  jv'ould 
by  no  means  fwim  in  itj  but  having  flopped  up 
feveral  old  beaver  dams,  which  had  been  broken 
down  by  the  hunters,  I  was  enabled  to  proceed  for 
fome  miles,  till  by  the  conjundion  of  a  few  brooks., 
thefe  aids  became  no  longer  necefiary.  In  a  fhort 
time  the  water  incrcafed  to  a  moft  rapid  river,  which 
we  defcfiidcd  till  it  entered  'nto  Lake  Superior. 
This  river  I  named  after  a  gentleman  that  defired 
to  accompany  me  from  the  town  of  the  Ottagau- 
mies  to  the  Carrying  Place  on  Lake  Superior,  God- 
dard's  -liver. 

To  the  weft  of  this  is  another  linall  river,  which 
alfo  empties  itfelf  into  the  Lake.  This  I  termed 
Strawberry  River,  from  the  great  number  of 
flrawberrics  of  a  good  hze  and  liavor  that  grew  on 
its  banks. 

The  country  from  the  Ottowaw  ^  ikes  to  Lake 
Superior,  is  in  general  very  uneven  and  thickly 
covered  with  woods.  The  foil  in  fome  places  is 
tolerably  good,  in  others  but  indifl^erent.  In  the 
heads  of  the  St.  Croix  ard  the  Chipeway  Rivers  arc 
exceeding  fine  fturjveon.  All  tiie  wilderncfs  be- 
tween the  Miffitfippi  and  Lake  Superior  is  called 
by  the  Indians,  the  Mofchettoe  Country,  and  I 
thought  it  moll  juilly   named  j  for,«it  being  then 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


67 


their  fcafon,  I  never  law  or  felt  fo  man/  of  thofc 
in  feds  in  my  life. 

The  latter  end  ^f  July  I  arrived,  after  having 
coafted  through  Well  Bay,  at  tlie  Grand  Portage, 
which  lies  on  the  north-weft  borders  of  Lake  Su- 
perior. Here  thofe  who  go  on  the  north -weft 
trade,  to  the  Lakes  De  Pluye,  Dubois,  &c.  carry 
over  their  canoes  and  baggage  about  nine  miles, 
till  ihcy  come  to  a  number  of  fmall  lakes,  the  wa- 
ters of  fome  of  which  deicend  into  Lake  Superior, 
and  others  into  the  river  Bourbon.  Lake  Supe- 
rior from  Weft  Bay  to  this  pi  ice  is  bounded  by 
rocks,  except  towards  the  fouth-weft  part  of  the 
Bay  where  I  firft  entered  it^  there  it  was  tolerably 
level. 


At  the  grafid  Portage  is  a  fmall  bay,  before  the 
entrance  of  which  lies  an  iQaiid  that  intercepts  the 
dreary  and  uninterrupted  view  over  kc  Lake, 
which  otherwife  would  have  prefentea  itfclf,  and 
makes  tlie  bay  ferene  and  pleafant.  Here  I  met  a 
large  party  of  the  Killifiinoe  and  Alunipoil  Indians, 
with  their  refpc6live  kings  and  their  families.  They 
were  come  to  this  place  in  order  to  meet  the  traders 
from  Michillimackinac,  who  make  this  their  road, 
to  the  north-weft.  From  them  I  received  the  fol- 
lowing account  of  the  Lakes  that  lie  to  i;he  north- 
weft  of  Lake  Superior. 

Lake  Bourbon,  the  moft  northern  of  thofe  yet 
difcovered,  received  its  name  from  the  French  tra- 
ders who  accompanied  a  party  of  Iniians  to  Hud-r, 
fon's  Bay  fome  years  ago^  and  was  thus  denomi- 
nated by  them  in  honor  of  the  royal  family  of  France.. 
Jt  is  compofed  of  the  Vv'iiters  of  the  B-iurbon  River, 
which,  as  I  have  before  obferved,  riils  a  great  wa^ 


di 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


to  the  fouthward,  not  far  from  the  norchern  heads 
of  the  Miiriflippi.  ^ 

This  lake  is  about  eighty  miles  in  length,  north 
and  fouth,  and  is  nearly  circular.  It  has  no  very 
large  iflands  on  it.  The  land  on  the  eallcrn  fide  is 
very  good]  and  to  the  fouth- weft  there  are  fome 
mountains  i  in  many  other  parts  there  arc  barren 
plains^  bogs,  and  moralles.  Its  latitude  is  between 
fifty-two  and  tifty-four  degrees  north,  and  it  lies 
nearly  fouth-w>eft  from  Hudfon's  Bay.  As  through 
its  northern  fituation  the  weather  there  is  extremely 
cold,  only  a  few  animals  are  to  be  found  in  the 
country  that  borders  on  it.  They  gave  me  but  an 
indifferent  account:  cither  of  the  beafts,  birds,  or 
fifhes.  There  are  indeed  fome  bufFaloe>  of  a  fmall 
fize,  which  are  fat  and  good  about  the  latter  end  of 
fummcr,  with  a  (ew  moofe  and  carriboo  deer  :  who- 
ever, this  deficiency  is  made  up  by  the  furs  of  every 
fort  that  are  to  be  met  with  in  great  plenty  around 
the  lake.  The  timber  growing  here  is  chiefly  fir, 
ceder,  fpruce,  and  fome  maple. 

Lake  Winncpeck,  or  as  the  French  write  it,  Lac 
Ouinipique  which  lies  neareft  to  the  foregoing,  is 
compofed  of  the  lame  waters.  It  is  in  length  about 
two  hundred  miles  north  and  fouth  ;  its  breadth  has 
never  been  properly  afcertained,  but  is  fuppofed  to 
be  about  one  hundred  miles  in  its  wideft  part.  This 
lake  is  very  full  of  iflands  ;  thefe,  are  however,of  no 
great  magnitude.  Many  confiderable  rivers  empty 
theinfelves  into  it,  which,  as  yet  arenotdiftinguifhed 
by  any  names.  The  waters  are  ftored  v/ich  filb,  fuch 
as  trout  and  fturgcon,  and  alfo  with  others  of  a 
fmallcr  kind  peculiar  to  thefe  lakes. 

The  land  on  the  fouth-weft  part  of  it  is  very 
good,  eipccially  about  the  entrance  of  a  large  branch 
pf  the  River  iJourbor.j  'vvhich  flow3  from  the  fouth- 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


69 


ha- 


ve ry 

inch 

)Uth  • 


weft.  On  this  river  there  is  a  factory  that  was  built 
by  the  French,  called  Fort  la  Reine,  to  which  the 
traders  from  Micliillimackinac  refort  to  trade  with 
the  Aflinipolis  and  Killiftinoes.  To  this  place  the 
Mahahs,  who  inhabit  a  country  two  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  fouth-well  come  alfo  to  trade  with  them  j 
and  bring  great  quantities  o^  Indian  corn,  to  ex- 
change for  knives,  tomahawks,  and  other  articles. 
Thofe  people  are  fuppoled  to  dwell  on  fome  of  the 
branches  of  the  River  of  the  Welt, 

Lake  Winnepeck  has  on  the  north-eafl:  fome 
mountains,  and  on  the  eaft  many  barren  plains.  The 
maple  or  fugar  tree  grows  here  in  grear  plenty,  and 
there  is  likewife  gathered  an  amazing  quantity  of 
rice,  which  proves  that  grain  will  ftourifh  in  thefe 
northern  climates  as  well  as  in  warmer.  Buffaloes, 
carriboo,  and  moofe  deer,  are  numerous  in  thefe 
parts.  The  buffaloes  of  this  country  differ  from 
thofe  that  are  found  more  to  the  fouth  onlv  in  fize  ; 
the  former  being  much  fmaller  -,  juft  as  the  black 
cattle  of  the  northern  parts  of  Great  Britain  differ 
from  Englilli  oxen. 

On  the  waters  th-it  fall  into  this  Lake,  the  neigh- 
bouring nations  take  great  numbers  of  excellent  furs. 
Some  of  thefe  they  carry  to  the  factories  and  fettle- 
ments  belonging  to  the  Hudfon's  Bay  Company^ 
fituated  above  the  entrance  of  the  Bourbon  River; 
but  this  they  do  with  relu6lance,  on  feveral  accotints; 
for  ibme  of  the  Aifinipoils  and  Killiftinoes,  who 
ufualiy  traded  with  the  Company's  fervants,  told 
me,  that  if  they  could  be  fure  of  a  conitant  fiipply  of 
goods  from  Michlliirnackinac,  they  would  not  trade 
any  where  elfe.  They  fliewed  me  fome  cloth  and 
other  articles  that  they  had  purchafed  at  Hudfon*s 
Bay,  with  which  they  were  much  difiatisfied,  think- 
ing they  had  been  f^reatlyjmpofed  upon  in  the  barter. 


^  CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 

Allowing  that  their  accoiinrsv/crc  true,  I  could  not 
help  joining  in  their  opinion.  But  this  diliutisfac- 
ti  )n  might  probably  proceed,  in  a  great  meal'^rc, 
from  the  intrigues  of  the  Canadian  traders  :  for 
whiilt  the  French  v/ere  in  poflellion  of  Micliilli- 
jnacki.iAc,  having  acquired  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  trade  of  the  north-well  countries,  they  were 
employed  on  that  account,  after  the  reduction  of 
Canada,  by  the  Englifli  traders  there,  in  the  cfta- 
blilhinent  of  this  trade  with  which  they  were  them- 
fclves  quite  unacquainted.  One  of  the  methods  they 
took  to  withdraw  thefe  Indians  from  their  attach- 
ment to  the  Hudfon's  Bay  Company,  and  to  engage 
their  good  opinion  m  behalf  of  their  new  employers, 
was  by  depreciating  on  all  occafions  the  Company's 
goods,  and  mngnitying  the  advantages  that  would 
arifc  to  them  from  trafficing  entirely  with  the  Ca- 
nadian traders,  In  this  they  too  well  fucce«jded, 
and  from  this,  doubtlefs,  did  the  diflatisfadlion  the 
Affinipoils  and  Killiftinocs  expreffed  to  me,  part- 
ly proceed.  But  snother  rcafon  augmented  it  j  and 
this  was  the  length  of  their  journey  to  the  Hudfon's 
Bay  fa61:ories,  which,  they  informed  me,  took  them 
up  three  months,  during  the  fummer  heats  to  go  and 
return,  and  from  the  fmallnefs  o(  their  canoes  they 
could  not  carry  more  than  a  third  of  the  beavers 
they  killed.  So  that  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at, 
that  thefe  ladiaas  fhouldwiih  to  have  traders  come 
to  rcfide  among  them.  It  is  true  that  the  parts  they 
inhabit  arc  v/ithin  the  limits  of  the  Hudfon's  Bay  ter- 
ritories i  but  the  Company  mull  be  under  the  necef- 
fity  of  winking  at  an  encroachment  of  this  kind,  as 
the  Indians  would  without  doubt  protect  the  traders 
Vx/hcn  among  them.  Bcfides,  the  paflporrs  granted 
to  the  tradeis  that  go  from  Michiilimackinac  give 
them  liberty  to  trade  to  the  north-weft  about  Lake 
Superior;  by  whi^h  is  meant  Fort  La  Heine,  Lake 
Winnepe'^^k,  or  any   other  parts  of  the  waters  of  the 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


-71 


Lake 

Lake 

of  the 


Bourbon  River,  where  the  Couriers  de  Bois,  or  Tra- 
ders, may  make  ic  moll  convenient  to  relide. 

Luc  du  Bois,  as  commonly  termed  by  the 
French  in  their  maps,  or  in  Englifli  the  Lake  of  the 
Wood,  is  fo  called  from  the  multiplicity  of  wood 
growing  on  its  banks  j  fuch  as  oaks,  pines,  Hrs, 
fpruce,  &c.  This  Lake  lies  Hill  higher  upon  a 
branch  of  the  River  Bourbon,  and  nearly  eall  from 
the  fouth  end  of  Lake  Winnrpeck.  Ic  is  of  great 
depth  in  fome  places.  Its  length  from  eaft  to  vvefc 
about  fevcnty  miles,  and  its  greatcft  breadth  about 
forty  miles.  It  has  but  few  illands,  and  thefe  of  no 
great  magnitude.  The  fiflies,  fowls,  and  quadrupcd'j 
that  are  found  near  it,  vary  but  little  from  thofc  of 
the  other  two  lakes.  A  few  of  the  Killillinoe  In- 
dians fometimes  encamp  on  the  borders  of  it  to  Hfli 
and  hunt. 

This  Lake  lies  in  the  communication  between 
Lake  Superior,  and  the  Lakes  Winnepeek  and  Bour- 
bon. Its  waters  are  not  eftcemcd  quite  fo  pure  as 
thofe  of  the  other  lakes,  it  having,  in  many  places,  a 
muddy  bottom. 

Lac  La  Pluye  fo  called  by  the  French,  in  Englifli 
the  Rainy  Lake,  is  fuppofed  to  have  acquired 
this  name  from  the  firft  travellers, that  pafled  over  it, 
meeting  with  an  uncommon  deal  of  rain  ;  or  as  fome 
have  affirmed,  from  a  mift:  like  rain,  occafioncd  by 
a  perpendicular  water-fall  rhat  empties  itfelf  into  a 
river  which  lies  to  the  fouth-wel)^. 

ThisLake  appears  to  be  divided  by  ani(lhmus,near 
the  middle,  into  two  parts :  the  weft  part  is  called 
the  Great  Rainy  Lake,  the  eail,  the  Little  Rainy 
Lake,  as  being  the  leaft  divifion.  It  lies  a  few  miles 
further  to  the  caftward,  on  the  fame  branch  of  the 


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CARVERS    TRAVELS 


Bourbon,  than  the  laft  mentioned  Lake.  Ic  is  lit 
gcncal  very  (hallow  in  its  depth.  The  broadcft 
part  of  ic  is  not  more  than  twenty  miles  j  its  length, 
including  both  about  three  hundred  miles.  In  the 
weft  part  the  water  is  very  clear  and  good  j  and  fomc 
excellent  fifh  arc  taken  in  it.  A  great  many  fowl 
refort  here  in  the  fall  of  the  year.  Moofe  deer  arc 
to  be  found  in  great  plenty,  and  likewifc  the  car- 
riboo  ;  whofc  fkin  for  breeches  or  gloves  exceeds  by 
far  any  other  to  be  met  with  in  North-America. 
The  land  on  the  borders  of  this  Lake  is  efteemed, 
in  fomc  places,  very  good,  but  rather  too  thickly 
covered  with  wood.  Here  refide  a  confidcrablc 
band  of  the  Chipeways. 

Eaftward  from  this  Lake  He  feveral  fmall  ones, 
which  extend  in  a  ftring  to  the  great  carrying  place, 
and  from  thence  into  Lake  Superior.  Betw:;cn  thefc 
little  Lakes  are  feveral  carrying  places,  which  ren- 
ders the  trade  to  the  north- weft  difficult  r.o  accom- 
plifh,  and  exceeding  tedious,  as  it  takes  two  years  to 
make  one  voyage  from  Michillimackinac  to  thefc 
parts. 

Red  Lake  is  a  comparatively  fmall  lake,  at  the 
head  of  a  branch  of  the  Bourbon  River,  which  is 
called  by  fomc  Red  River.  Its  form  is  nearly  round, 
and  about  fixty  miles  in  circumference.  On  one 
fide  of  it  is  a  tolerable  large  ifland,  clofe  by  which  a 
fmall  liver  enters.  It  bears  almoft  fouth-caft  both 
from  Lake  Winnepeek  and  from  Lake  du  Bois. 
The  parts  adjacent  arc  very  little  known  or  fre- 
quented, even  by  the  favagcs  themfelvcs. 

Not  far  from  this  Lake,  allttlc  to  the  fouth-wrfr,  is 
another,  called  White  Bear  Lake,  which  is  nearly 
about  the  lizc  cfthe  laft  mentioned.  The  wnrers 
that  compGif^  this  Lake  are  the  moft  nofthern  of  any 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


73 


that  fupply  the  Miffiffippi,  and  may  be  called  with. 
propriety  its  mod  remote  Iburcc.  It  is  fed  by  tv/o. 
or  three  I'mall  rivers,  or  rather  large  brooks. 

A  few  miles  from  it,  to  the  fouth  call,  arc  a  great 
number  of  fmall  lakes,  none  of  which  are  more  than 
ten  miles  in  circumference,  that  are  called  the 
Thoufand  Lakes,  Jn  the  adjacent  country  is  reck- 
oned the  fincft  hunting  for  furs  of  any  on  this  conti- 
nent i  the  Indians  who  hunt  here,  feldom  returning 
without  having  their  canoes  loaded  as  deep  as  they 
can  fwim. 

Having  juft  before  obferved  that  this  Lake  is. 
the  utmoft  northern  foufcc  of  the  MifliiTippi,  I 
ihall  here  further  remark,  that  before  this  river 
enters  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  it  has  not  run  Iefs» 
through  all  its  meanderings,  than  three  thoufand 
miles  i  or,  in  a  flraight  line  from  north  to  i(:>uth, 
about  twenty  degrees,  which  is  nearly  fourtwa hun- 
dred Engliih  miles. 

Thcfe  Indians  informed  me,  that  to  the  north-' 
weft  of  Lake  Winnepeck  lies  another,  whofe  cir- 
cumference vaftiy  exceeded  any  they  had  given  mc 
an  account  of.  Thcj?  defcribc  it  as  much  larger 
than  Lake  Superior.  But  as  it  appears  to.  be.  fa  fan 
to  the  north-weft;  J  ftiould  imagine  that  it  was  noc 
a  lake,  buc  rather  the  Archipelago,  or  broken 
waters  that  form  the  communication  between^  Hud- 
fon's  Bay  and.  the  northern  parts  of  the  Pacllic 
Ocean. 

There  arc  an  infinite  number  of  fmall  lakes,  on 
the  more  weftern  parts  of  the  weftcrn  head-branches 
of  the  Mifliftippi,  as  well  between  chefe  and  Lake 
Winnepeck,  but  none  of  them  are  large.  enoAigh  tQ 


74 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


fuppofc  either  of  them  to  be  the  lake  or   waters 
meant  by  the  Indians. 

They  likewife  informed  me,  that  fomc  of  the 
northern  branches  of  the  Meflbrie  and  the  fouthcrn 
branches  of  the  St.  Pierre  have  a  communication- 
with  each  other,  except  for  a  milci  over  which 
they  carry  their  canoes.  And  by  what  I  could 
learn  from  them,  this  is  the  road  they  take  when 
their  war  parties  make  their  -  cxcurfions  upon  the 
Pawnees  and  Pawnawnees,  nations  inhabiting  fomc 
branches  of  the  Meflbrie  River.  In  the  country 
belonging  to  thefe  people  it  is  faid,  that  Mandrakes 
are  frequently  found,  a  fpecics-  of  root  refembling 
human  beings  of  both  fcxes:  and  that  thefe  are  more 
perfcd  than  fuch  as  are  difcovered  about  the  Nile 
in  Nether-Ethiopia. 

A  little  to  the  north-weft  of  the  heads  of  the  Mef- 
forie  and  St.  Pierre,  the  Indians  further  told  me, 
that  there  was  a  nation  rather  fmaller  and  v/hiter 
than  the  neighbouring  tribes,  who  cultivate  the 
ground,  and  (as  far  as  I  could ,  gather  from  their 
cxprefiions)  in  fome  mcafure,  the  arts.  To  this 
account  they  added  that  fome  of  the  nations  who 
inhabit  thofe  parts  that  lie  to  the  weft  of  the  Shining 
Mountains,  have  gold  fo  plenty  among  them  that 
they  make  their  moft  common  utenfils  of  it.  Thefe 
mountains  (which  I  fhall  defcribc  more  particu- 
larly hereafter)  divide  the  waters  that  fall  into 
the  South  Sea  from  thofe  that  run  into  the  At- 
lantic. 

The  people  dwelling  near  them  arc  fuppofed  to 
be  fome  of  the  different  tribes  that  were  tributary 
to  the  Mexican  kings,  and  who  fled  from  their  na- 
|iyc  country,  to  feek  an  afylum  in  thefe  parts,  about 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


7i 


the  time  of  the  conqueft  of  Mexico  by  the  Spaniards, 
more  than  two  centuries  ago. 

As  fome  confirmation  of  thi«  fuppofition,  it  is 
remarked,  that  they  have  chofen  the  moft  interior 
parts  of  their  retreat,  being  ftill  prcpoflcffcd  with  a 
notion  that  the  fca-coafts  have  been  infefted  ever 
fince  with  monfters  vomiting  fire,  and  hurling  about 
thunder  and  lightning;  from  whofe  bowels  iffucd 
men,  who,  with  unfeen  inftruments,  or  by  the 
power  of  magic,  killed  the  harmlefs  Indians  at  an 
aftonifhing  diftance.  From  fuch  as  thcfe,  their 
fore-fathers  (according  to  a  tradition  among  them 
that  ftill  remains  unimpaired)  fled  to  the  retired 
abodes  they  now  inhabit.  For  as  they  found  that 
the  floating  monfl:crs,  which  had  thus  terrified  them 
could  not  approach  the  land,  and  that  thofc  who  had 
defcended  from  their  fides  did  not  care  to  make 
excurfions  to  any  confiderable  diftance  from  them, 
they  formed  a  refolution  to  betake  themfelves  to 
fome  country,  that  lay  far  from  the  fea-coafts, 
where  only  they  could  be  fecure  from  fuch  diabolical 
enemies.  They  accordingly  fct  out  with  their  fami- 
lies, and  after  a  long  peregrination,  fettled  them- 
felves near  thefe  mountains,  where  they  concluded 
they  had  found  a  place  of  perfed  fecurity. 

The  Winnebagoes,  dwelling  on  the  Fox  River 
(whom  I  have  already  treated  of)  are  likewife  fup- ' 
pofed  to  be  fome  ftrolling  band  from  the  Mexican 
countries.  But  they  are  able  to  give  only  an  im- 
perfect account  of  their  original  refidence.  They 
fay  they  formerly  came  a  great  way  from  the  weft- 
ward,  and  were  driven  by  wars  to  take  refuge 
among  the  Naudoweflies ;  but  as  they  are  entirely 
ignorant  of  the  arts,  or  of  the  value  of  gold,  it  is  ra- 
ther to  be  fuppofed,  that  they  were  driven  from 
their  ancient  fcttlcments  by  the  above-mentioned 


70 


C  A  R  V  E  R  *  8    TRAVELS. 


emigrants,  as  they  palTed  on  towards  their  prefenc 
habitation. 

Thcfc  fuppofitions,  however,  may  want  confir- 
mationj  ibr  the  fmallcr  tribes  of  Indians  arc  fub- 
je6b  to  fuch  various  alterations  in  their  places  of 
abode,  from  the  wars  they  are  continually  engaged 
in,  that  it  is  almoft  impoffible  to  afccrtain,  after 
half  a  century,  the  original  fituation  of  any  of  them< 

That  range  of  mountains,  of  which  the  Shining 
Mountains  are  a  part,  begins  at  Mexico,  and  con- 
tinuing northward  on  the  back  or  to  the  eaft  of  Ca- 
lifornia, feparate  the  waters  of  thofc  numerous  rivers 
that  fall  either  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  or  the  Gulf 
of  California.  From  thence  continuing  their  courfe 
ftill  northward,  between  the  fourcesofthe  Miflifllppi 
and  the  rivers  that  run  into  the  South  Sea,  they 
appear  to  end  in  about  forty-feven  or  forty-eight 
degrees  of  north  latitude;  where  a  number  of  rivers 
ar/e,  and  empty  themfelvcs  either  into  the  South 
Sea,  into  Hudfon's  Bay,  or  into  the  waters  that 
communicate  between  thefc  two  feas. 

Among  thefe  mountains^^  thoie  that  lie  to  the 
weft  of  the  river  St.  Pierre,  are  called  the  Shin- 
ing mountains,  from  an  infinite  number  of  chryftal 
ftones,  of  an  amazing  fizc  with  which  they  arc 
covered,  and  which,  when  the  fun  fhines  full  upon 
them,  fparkle  fo  as  to  be  fccn  at  a  very  great  dif- 
tance. 

This -extraordinary  range  of  mountains  is  calcu- 
lated to  be  more  than  three  thoufand  miles  in  length, 
without  any  very  confiderable  intervals,  which  I 
believe  furfp^ifles  any  thing  of  the  kind  in  the  other 
quarters  of  the  iglobc.  Probably  in  future  ages  they 
may  be  found  to  contain  more  riches  in  their  bowels, 


CARVE  R*«    TRAVELS.  77 

than  thofc  of  Indoftan  and  Malabar,  or  that  are  pro- 
duced on  the  golden  coaft  of  Guinea.;  ncr  will  I 
except  even  the  Peruvian  mineii.  To  the  weft  of 
thcfc  mountains,  when  explored  by  future  Colum- 
bufes  or  Raleighs,  may  be  found  other  lakes,  ri- 
vers, and  countries,  full  fraught  with  all  the  necef- 
faries  or  luxuries  of  life  i  and  where  future  genera- 
tions may  find  an  afylum,  whether  driven  from  their 
country  by  the  ravages  of  lawlefs  tyrants,  or  by 
religious  perfecutions,  or  reluctantly  leaving  it  to 
remedy  the  inconveniencics  arifing  from  a  fupera- 
bundant  increafe  of  inhabitants;  whether,  I  fay, 
impelled  by  thefe,  or  allured  by  hopes  of  commer- 
cial advantages,  there  is  little  doubt  but  their  ex- 
pectations will  be  fully  gratified  in  thefe  rich  and 
unexhaufted  climes. 

But  to  return  to  the  Affinipoils  and  Killiftinoes, 
whom  I  left  at  the  Grand  Portage,  and  from  whom 
I  received  the  foregoing  account  of  the  lakes  that  lie 
to  che  north- weft  of  this  place. 

The  traders  we  expected  being  later  this  feafon 
than  ufual,  and  our  numbers  very  confiderable,  for 
there  were  more  than  three  htindred  of  us,  the  ftock 
of  provifions  we  had  brought  with  us  was  nearly 
exhaufted,  and  we  waited  with  impatience  for  their 
arrival. 

One  day,  whilft  we  were  all  exprefling  our  wiflics 
for  this  defirable  event,  and  looking  from  an  emi- 
nence in  hopes  of  feeing  them  come  over  the  lake, 
the  chief  prieft  belonging  to  the  band  o(  the  Xil- 
Kftinoes,  told  us,  chat  he  would  endeavour  to  ob- 
tain a  conference  with  the  Great  Spirir,  and  know 
frooii  him  when  the  traders  would  arrive.  I  paid 
littk  attention  «o  this  declaration,  fuppofmg  that 
it  would  be  pxoduflive  of  fome  juggling  trick,  juft 


7« 


CARVE  A*s    TRAVELS. 


.  fufficicntly  covered  to  deceive  the  ignorant  Indi- 
ans. But  the  king  of  that  tribe  telling  me  that  this 
was  chiefly  undertaken  by  the  prieft,  to  alleviate 
my  anxiety,  and  at  the  fame  time  to  convince  mc 
how  much  intereft  he  had  with  the  Great  Spirit,  I 
thought  it  neccffary  to  retrain  my  animadverfions 
on  his  defign. 

The  following  evening  was  fixed  upon  for  this 
fpiritaal  conference.  When  every  thing  had  been 
properly  prepared,  the  king  came  to  mc  and  led 
me  to  a  capacious  tent,  the  covering  of  which  was 
drawn  up,  fo  as  to  render  what  was  tranfadbing 
within,  vifible  to  thofe  who  ftood  without.  Wc 
found  the  tent  furrounded  by  a  great  number  of  the 
Indians,  but  we  readily  gained  admifllon,  and  feated 
ourfelves  on  ikins  laid  on  the  ground  for  that  pur- 
pofc. 

In  the  center  I  obferved  that  there  was  a  place  of 
an  oblong  fhape,  which  was  compofed  of  ftakes 
ftuck  in  the  ground,  with  intervals  between,  fo  as 
to  form  a  kind  of  cheft  or  coffin,  large  enough  to 
contain  the  body  of  a  man.  Thefc  were  of  a  mid- 
dle fize,  and  placed  at  fuch  a  diftance  from  eaeh 
other,  that  whatever  lay  within  them  was  readily  to 
be  difcerned.  The  tent  was  perfedlly  illuminated 
by  a  great  number  of  torches  made  of  fplinters  cut 
from  the  pine  or  birch  tree,  which  the  Indians  held 
in  their  hands. 

In  a  few  minutes  the  prieft  entered;  when  an 
amazing  large  elk's  ikin  being  fpread  on  the  ground 
jufl:  at  my  feet,  he  laid  himfelf  down  upon  it^  after 
having  ftripc' himfelf  of  every  garment  except  that 
which  he  wore  clofe  about  his  middle.  Being  now 
proftrate  on  his  back,  he  firft  laid  hold  of  one  Tide  of 
the  ikin,  and  folded  it  over  him,  and  then  the  ether; 


CARVE  R»s       TRAVELS. 


79 


leaving  only  his  head  uncovered.  This  was  no 
fooner  done,  than  two  of  the  young  men  who  Hood 
by,  took  about  forty  yards  of  ftrong  cord,  made 
alfo  of  an  elk's  hide,  and  rolled  it  tight  round  his 
body,  fo  that  he  was  completely  fwathcd  within  the 
fkin.  Being  thus  bound  up  like  an  Egyptian  Mum< 
my,  one  took  him  by  the  heels,  and  the  other  by 
the  head,  and  lifted  him  over  the  pales  into  the 
enclofurc.  I  could  alfo  now  difcern  him  as  plain 
ns  I  had  hitherto  done,  and  I  took  care  not  to  turn 
my  eyes  a  moment  from  the  objedt  before  me,  that 
i  might  the  more  readily  deteft  the  artifice  j  for 
fiich  I  doubted  not  but  that  it  vfould  turn  out  to  be. 

The  pried  had  not  lain  in  this  fituatlon  more  than 
a  few  fcconds,  when  he  began  to  mutter.  This  he 
continued  to  do  for  fome  time,  and  then^by  degrees 
grew  louder  and  louder,  jtjU  at  length  he  fpoke 
articulately;  however,  what  he  uttered  was  in  fuch 
a  mixed  jargon  of  the  Chipeway,  Ottawaw,  and 
Killiftinoe  languages,  that  I  could  underftand  but 
very  little  of  it.  Having  continued  in  this  tone  for 
a  confiderable  while,  he  at  laft  exerted  his  voice  to 
its  utmoft  pitch,  fometimes  raving,  and  fometimes 
praying,  till  he  had  worked  himfelfinto  fuch  an  agi- 
tation, that  he  foamed  at  his  mouth. 

After  having  remained  near  three  quarters  of  an 
hour  in  the  place,  and  continued  his  vociferatioa 
with  unabated  vigor,  he  fcemed  to  be  quite  ex- 
haufted,  and  remained  fpcechlefs.  But  in  an  inftant 
he  fprung  upon  his  feet,  notwithftanding  at  the  time 
lie  was  put  in,  it  appeared  impoHible  for  him  to 
move  either  his  legs  or  arms,  and  (baking  off  his 
covering,  as  quick  as  if  the  bands  witn  which  it  had 
been  bound  were  burned  afunder,  he  began  to  ad- 
duds  thofe  who  ftood  around,  in  a  firm  and  audible 
voice,     "  My   brothers/'   faid  he,    **  the  Grej^t 


••  CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 

*'  Spirit  has  deigned  to  hold  a  Talk  with  his  fervant, 
"  at  my  earnefl:  rcqucft.  He  has  not,  indeed,  told 
"  me  ^hcn  the  pcrfons  we  expert,  will  be  here  j  but 
*'  to«morrow,foon  after  the  fun  has  reached  his  high- 
*'  eft  point  in  the  heavens,  a  canoe  will  arrive,  and 
"'  the  people  in  that  will  inform  us  when  the  traders 
**  will  come." 

Having  faidthis,  he  ftepped  our  of  the  enclofure, 
and  after  he  had  put  on  his  robes,  difmiflcd  the  aflfem- 
bly.  I  own  I  was  greatly  aftoniflied  at  what  I  had 
fcen  }  but  as  lobfcrvcd  that  every  eye  in  the  com- 
pany was  fixed  on  me  with  a  view  to  difcover  my 
lentimcnts,  I  carefully  concealed  every  emotion. 

The  next  day  the  fun  Ihonc  bright,  and  long  be- 
fore noon  all  the  Indians  were  gathered  together  on 
the  eminence  that  overlooked  the  lake.  The  old 
king  came  to  me  and  afkcd  me  whether  I  had  fo 
much  confidence  in  what  the  prieft  had  foretold,  as 
to  join  his  people  on  the  hill,  and  wait  for  the  com- 
pletion of  it  ?  I  told  him  I  was  at  a  lofs  what  opmion 
to  form  of  the  prcdidion,  but  that  I  would  readily 
attend  him.  On  this  we  walked  together  to  the 
place  where  the  others  were  aifembled.  Every  cyt 
was  a^ain  fixed  by  turns  on  me  and  on  the  lake  j 
when  juft  as  the  fun  had  reached  his  zenith,  agreeable 
to  what  the  pried  had  foretold,  a  canoe  came  round 
a  point  of  land  about  a  league  diftant.  The  Indians 
no  fooner  beheld  it,  than  they  fet  up  an  univerfal 
/hour,  and  by  their  looks  feemed  to  triumph  in  the 
intereft  their  prieft  thus  evidently  had  with  the 
Great  Spirit. 

In  lefs  than  an  hour  the  canoe  reached  the  fhore 
when  I  attended  the  king  and  chiefs  to  receive  thofe 
who  were  on  board.  As  foon  as  the  men  were, 
landed^  we  walked  $U1  together  to  the  king's  tent^ 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


81 


when  according  t  their  invariable  cuftom,  we  began 
to  fmoke  i  and  this  we  did,  notwithftanding  our  im- 
patience to  know  the  tidings  they  brought  withouc 
afking  any  queftions  j  for  the  Indians  arc  the  mod 
deliberate  people  in  the  world.  However,  after 
fomctrivialconverfation,  the  king  enquired  of  them, 
whether  they  had  feen  any  thing  of  the  traders?  The 
men  replied,  that  they  had  parted  from  them  a  few 
days  before,  and  that  they  propofcd  being  here  the 
fecond  day  from  the  prefent.  They  accordingly  ar- 
rived at  that  time  greatly  to  our  fatisfaftion,  but 
more  particularly  fo  to  that  of  the  Indians,  who 
found  by  this  event  the  importance  both  of  their 
pried  and  of  their  nation,  greatly  augmented  in  the 
fight  of  a  ftranger. 

This  ftory  I  acknowledge  appears  to  carry  with  it 
marks  of  great  credulity  in  th^*  relater.  But  no  one 
is  lefs  tindbured  with  that  weaknefs  than  myfclf.  The 
circumftances  of  it,  I  own,  are  of  a  very  extraordinary 
nature  ;  however,  as  I  can  vouch  for  their  being  free 
from  either  exaggeration  or  mifreprefcntation,  being 
myfelf  a  cool  and  difpaffionate  obfcrvcr  of  them  all 
I  thought  it  neceflary  to  give  them  to  the  public. 
And  this  I  do  v/ithout  wiftiing  to  miflead  the  judg- 
ment of  my  readers,  or  to  make  any  fuperftitious 
im.preffions  on  their  minds,  but  leaving  them  to 
draw  from  it  what  conclufions  they  pleafc. 

I  have  already  obferved  that  the  Ailinipoils,  with 
a  part  of  whom  I  met  here,  are  a  revolted  band  of 
the  Naudoweffies  j  who  on  account  of  fome  real  or 
imagined  grievances,  for  the  Indians  in  general  are 
very  tenacious  of  their  liberty,  had  faparated  them- 
felvcs  from  their  countrymen,  and  fought  for  free- 
dom at  the  expence  of  their  eafe.  For  the  country 
they  now  inhabit  about  the  b^ders  of  Lake  Winnc- 


n 


CARVE  RS     1"  R  A  V  E  L  3. 


peck,  being  much  further  north,  is  not  near  fo  fertile 
or  agreeable  as  that  they  have  relinquiflicd.  They 
ftill  retain  the  language  and  manners  of  their  former 
aiTociates. 

The  KilliRinoes,  now  the  neighbours  and  allies  of 
the  AfTinipoils,  for  they  alfo  dwell  near  the  fame 
lake,  and  on  the  waters  of  the  river  Bourbon,  ap- 
pear to  have  been  originally  a  tribe  of  the  Chipe- 
ways,  as  they  fpcak  their  language,  though  in  a  dif« 
ferent  dialcdh  Their  nation  confifts  of  about  ♦"hrec 
or  four  hundred  warriors,  and  they  feem  to  be  a 
hardy,  brave  people.  I  have  already  given  an  ac- 
count of  their  country  when  I  treated  of  Lake  Win- 
nepeek.  As  they  refidc  within  the  limits  of  Hud- 
fon's  Bay,  they  generally  trade  at  the  factories  which 
belong  to  that  company,  bat^  for  the  reafons  men- 
tioned before,  they  frequently  come  to  the  place 
where  I  happened  to  join  them,  in  order  to  meet  th€ 
traders  from  Michillimackinac. 

The  anxiety  I  had  felt  on  account  of  the  traders'  de- 
lay, was  not  much  alleviated  by  their  arrival.  I  again 
found  my  expectations  difappointed,  for  I  was  not 
able  to  procure  the  goods  I  wanted  from  any  of  them. 
I  was  therefore  obliged  to  give  over  my  defigns, 
and  return  to  the  place  from  whence  I  firft  began 
my  extenfive  circuit.  I  accordingly  took  leave  of 
the  old  king  of  the  Killiftinoes,  with  the  chiefs  of 
both  bands,  and  departed.  This  prince  was  up- 
wards of  fixty  years  of  age,  tall  and  (lightly  made, 
but  he  carried  himfelf  very  eredt.  He  was  of  a 
courteous,  affable  difpofition,  and  treated  me,  as  did 

all  the  chiefs,  with  great  civility. 

*  I 

1  obferved  that  this  people  ftill   continued  a  cuf- 
tom,  that  appeared  to  have   been  univerfal  before 
any  of  them  became  acquainted  with  the  manners  of 
the  Eufiopeans,  that  of  complimenting   flrang^rs 


C  A  R  V  F.  R»s    T  R  A  V  E  L  S.  S| 

with  the  r^Tipany  of  their  wives  ;  and  this  ii  not  only 
pra6tifcd  »..,  '.  ^  lower  ranks,  but  by  thr  cliirfs  them- 
fclves,  who  cftecm  it  thcgrcatcll  proof  of  courtfoy 
they  can  give  a  ft  ranker. 

The  beginning  of  O^ober,  afcer  having  cor»(leci 
round  the  north  and  caft  borders  of  Lake  Siipcriour. 
I  arrived  at  Cadot's  Fort,  which  adjoins  to  the  Falls 
of  St.  Marie,  and  is  fituated  near  the  fouth-welt 
corner  of  it. 

Lake  Superior,  formerly  termed  the  Upper 
Lake,  from  its  northern  fituation,  is  fo  called  on  ac- 
count of  its  being  fupcrior  in  magnitude  to  any  of 
the  Lakes  on  that  vaft  continent.  It  might  juftly 
be  termed  the  Cafpian  of  America,  and  is  fuppofed 
to  be  the  largcft  body  of  frefli  water  on  the  globp. 
Its  circumference,  according  to  the  French  charts, 
is  about  fifteen  hundred  miles ;  but  I  believe,  that 
if  it  was  coaftcd  round,  and  the  ytmoft  extent  of 
every  bay  taken,  it  would  exceed  fixtcen  hundred. 

After  I  firft  entered  it  from  Goddar*s  River  on  the 
weft  Bay,  I  coafted  near  twelve  hundred  miles  of  the 
north  and  eaft  ftiorcs  of  it,  and  obferved  that  the 
greateft  part  of  that  cxtenfivc  tra6t  was  bounded  by 
rocks  and  uneven  ground.     The  water  in  genera^ 
appeared  to  lie  on  a  bed  of  rocks.     When  it  was 
calm,  and   the  fun  ftione  bright,  I  could  fit  in  my 
canoe,  where  the  depth  was  upwards  of  fix  fathoms, 
jand  plainly  fee  huge  piles  of  ^onc  at  the  bottom,  «f 
different  fhapes,  fome  of  which  appeared  as  if  they 
were  hewn.    The  water  at  this  time  was  as  pure  and 
tranfparent  as   air  ;  and  my  canoe   feemed  as  if  it* 
hung  fufpendcd  m  that  element.     It  was  impcflible 
to  look  attentively  through   this  limpid   medium  at 
the  rocks  below,  without  finding,  before  many  mi- 
DTLites  were  elapfed,  your  head  fwim,   and  your  eyes 
no  longer  able  to  behold  the  dazzling  fcene. 


84 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


I  diicovered  alfo  by  accident  another  extraor- 
dinary property  in  the  waters  of  this  lake.  Though 
it  was  in  the  rr>onth  of  July  that  I  pafTcd  over  it,  and 
the  furfacc  of  the  w?  tcr,  fi  cm  the  heat  of  the  fu- 
pcrambient  air,  impregnated  with  no  fmall  degree  of 
warnuh,  ycc  on  letting  down  a  cup  to  the  depth  of 
about  a  fathom,  the  water  drawn  from  thence  wasfo 
cxceffively  cold,  that  it  had  the  fame  effe^l  when 
received  into  the  mouth  as  ice. 

The  fituation  of  this  lake  is  varioufly  laid  down; 
but  from  the  moft  cxadt  obfervations  I  could  make, 
it  lies  between  forty  fix  and  fifty  degrees  of  north 
latitude,  and  between  eighty-four  and  ninety  diree 
degrees  of  weft  longiiide,  from  the  meridian  at 
London. 


There  are  many  iflands  in  this  lake,  two  of  which 
are  very  large  j  and  if  the  land  of  them  is  proper  for 
cultivation,  there  appears  to  be  fufficient  to  form  on 
each  a  confiderable  province  j  cfpecially  on  Iflc 
Royal,  which  cannot  be  lefs  than  an  hundred  miles 
long,  and  in  many  places  forty  broad.  But  there  is 
no  way  at  prefcnt  of  afcertaining  the  cxadl:  length  or 
breadth  of  cither.  Even  the  French,  who  always 
kept  a  fmall  fchooner  on  this  lake,  whilft  they  were 
in  pofleffion  of  Canada,  by  which  they  could  have 
made  this  difcovcry,  have  only  acquired  a  flight 
knowledge  of  the  external  parts  of  thcfc  iflands  j  at 
leafl:  they  have  ne^^r  publiftied  an/  account  of  the 
internal  part*;  o^them,  that  I  could  get  intelligence  of. 

Nor  was  I  able  to  difcover  from  any  of  the  convcr- 
'  fations  which  I  held  wi'h  the  neighbouring  Indians, 
that  they  had  ever  made  any  Tettlements  on  them,  or 
even  landed  there  in  their  hunting  excurfions.  From 
what  I  could  gather  by  their  difcourfe,  they  fuppole 
them  to  have  been,  from  their  firfl:  formation  the 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


85 


refidcncc  of  the  Great  Spirit  ;and  relate  many  ridi- 
culous  (tones  of  enehantment  and  magical  tricks  that 
had  been  experienced  by  fuch  as  were  obliged 
through  ftrefs  of  weather  to  take  Ihelter  on  them. 

One  of  the  Chipcway  chiefs  told  me,  that  fome  of 
their  people  being  once  driven  on  the  ifland  of  Mau- 
repas,  which  lies  towards  the  north-eaft  part  of  the 
lake,  found  on  it  large  quantities  of  heavy,  fhining, 
yellow  fand,  that  from  their  delciiption  muft  have 
been  gold  duft.  Being  ftruck  with  the  beautiful  ap- 
pearance of  it,  in  the  morning,  when  they  re-entered 
their  canoe,  they  attempted  to  bring  fome  away  j 
but  a  fpirit  of  an  amazing  fize,  according  to  their  ac- 
count, fixty  feet  in  height,  ftrode  in  the  water  after 
them,  and  commanded  them  to  deliver  back  what 
they  had  taken  away.  Terrified  at  his  gigantic  ftature, 
and  feeing  that  he  had  nearly  overtaken  them,  they 
were  glad  to  reftore  their  fhiningtreafure  ;  on  which 
they  were  fuffered  to  depart  without  further  molefta- 
tion.  Since  this  incident  no  Indian  that  has  ever 
heard  of  it  will  venture  near  the  fame  haunted  coaft. 
Befides  this,  they  recounted  to  m£  many  other 
ftoriesofthefe  iflands,  equally  fabulous. 

The  country  on  the  north  and  eaft  parts  of  Lake 
Superior  is  very  mountainous  and  barren.  The 
weather  being  intenfely  cold  in  the  winter,  and  the 
fun  having  but  little  power  in  the  fummer,  vegeta- 
tion there  is  very  flow  j  and  confequently  but  little 
fruit  is  to  be  fcund  on  its  fhore.  It  however  pro- 
duces fome  few  fpecies  in  great  abundance. 
Whortleberries  of  an  uncommo'i  fize  and  fine  flavor, 
grow  on  the  mountains  near  the  lake  in  amazing 
quantities  i  as  do  black  currants  and  goofberries  in 
the  fame  luxuriant  manner. 

But  the  fruit  which  exceeds  all  the  others,  is  a 
berry  refembling  arafbcrry  in  its  manner  of  growth, 


86 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


but  of  a  lighter  red,  and  much  larger  j  its  taftc  is 
far  more  delicious  than  the  fruit  I  have  compared  it 
to,  notwithttanding  that  it  is  lb  highly  eftctmed  in 
Europe :  it  grows  on  a  (hrub  of  the  nature  of  a  vine, 
with  leaves  fimilar  to  thofe  of  the  grape ;  and  I  am 
perfuaded  that  was  it  tranfplanted  into  a  warmer  and 
more  kindly  climate,  it  would  prove  a  mod  rare  and 
delicious  fruit. 

c 

Two  very  largcrivers  empty  themfclves  into  this 
lake,  on  the  north  and  north-eaft  fide  j  one  is  called 
the  Nipegon  River,  or,  as  the  French  pronounce  it 
Allanipegon,  which  leads  to  a  band  of  the  Chipeways, 
inhabiting  a  lake  of  the  fame  name,  and  the  other  is 
termed  the  Michipicooton  River,  the  fource  of 
which  is  fituated  towards  James's  Bay,  from  whence 
there  is  but  a  Ihort  carriage  to  another  river,  which 
empties  itfclf  into  that  bay,  at  a  fort  belonging  to 
the  company.  It  was  by  this  paflage  that  a  party  of 
French  from  Michillimackinac  invaded  the  fettle- 
ments  of  that  fociety  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne. 
Having  taken  and  deftroyed  their  forts,  they  brought 
the  cannon  which  they  found  in  them  to  the  fortrefs 
from  whence  they  had  ifluedj  thefe  were  fmall  brafs 
pieces,  and  remain  there  to  this  prefent  time  j  hav- 
ing, through  the  ufual  revolutions  of  fortune,  re- 
turned to  the  pofleflion  of  their  former  matters. 


Not  far  from  the  Nipegon  is  a  fmali  river,  that 
juft  before  it  enters  the  lake,  has  a  perpendicular  fall 
from  the  top  of  a  mountain,  of  more  than  fix  hun- 
dred feet.  Being  very  narrow,  it  appears  at  ajdif- 
tance  like  a  white  garter  fufpendec*  in  the  air. 

A  few  Indians  inhabit  round  the  eaftern  borders 
of  this  lake,  fuppofed  to  be  the  remains  of  the  Al- 
gonkins,  who  formerly  poffeffed  this  country,  but 
who  have  been  nearly  extirpated  by  the  Iroquois  of 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS.  $f 

Canada.  Lake  Superior  has  near  forty  rivers  that 
fall  into  it,  fome  of  which  arc  of  confidcrablc  fize. 
On  the  fouth  fide  of  it  is  a  remarkable  point  or  cape, 
of  about  fixty  miles  in  length,  called  Point  Chego- 
megan.  It  might  as  properly  be  termed  a  peninfula, 
as  it  is  nearly  fcparated*  from  the  continent,  on  the 
eaft  fide,  by  a  narrow  bay  that  extends  from  eaft  to 
weft.  Canoes  have  but  a  ihort  portage  acrofs  the 
ifthmus,  whereas  if  they  coaft  it  round,  the  voyage 
is  more  than  an  hundred  miles. 

About  that  diftance  to  the  weft  of  the  cape  juft 
defcribed,  a  confiderable  river  falls  into  the  lake, 
the  head  of  which  is  compofed  of  a  great  aifemblagc 
of  fmallftreams.  This  river  is  remarkable  for  the 
abundance  of  virgin  copper  that  is  found  on  and  near 
ns  banks.  A  metal  which  is  met  with  alfo  in  feveral 
other  places  on  this  coaft.  I  obferved  that  many  of 
the  fmall  iflands,  particularl)^thofe  on  the  eaftern 
fliores,  were  covered  with  copper  ore.  They  ap- 
peared like  beds  of  copperas,  of  which  many  tons 
lay  in  a  fmall  fpace. 

A  company  of  adventurers  from  England  began, 
foon  after  the  conqueft  of  Canada,  to  bring  away 
fome  of  this  metal,  but  the  diftradtcd  fituation  of 
affairs  in  America  has  obliged  them  to  relinquilh' 
their  fcheme.  It  might  in  future  times  be  made  a 
very  advantageous  trade,  as  the  metal,  which  cofts 
nothing  on  the  fpot,  and  requires  but  litrlc  expence 
to  get  it  on  board,  could  be  conveved  in  boats  of 
canoes  through  the  Falls  ©f  St.  Marie,  to  the  Ifle  of 
St.  Jofcph,  which  lies  at  the  bottom  of  the  Straits 
near  the  entrance  into  Lake  Huron  j  from  thence  it 
might  be  put  on  board  larger  vefTels,  and  in  them 
tranfported  acrofs  that  lake  to  the  Falls  of  Niagara; 
there  being  carried  by  land  acrofs  the  Portage,  it 
might  be  conveyed  without  much  more  obftrudion 


ft 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


to  Quebec.  The  chcapnefs  and  eafe  with  which 
any  quantity  of  it  may  be  procured,  will  make  up 
for  the  length  of  way  that  is  neccflary  to  tranfport  it 
before  it  reaches  the  fea  coaft,  and  enable  the  pro- 
prietors to  fend  it  to  foreign  markets  on  as  good 
terms  as  it  can  be  exported  from  other  countries. 

Lake  Superior  abounds  with  a  variety  of  fifh,  the 
principal  and  bcft  are  the  trout  and  fturgeon,  which 
may  be  caught  at  almoft  any  feafon  in  the  greatcft 
abundance.  The  trouts  in  generiii  weigh  about 
twelve  pounds,  but  fome  are  caught  that  exceed  fifty. 
Befides  thefe,  a  fpecies  of  white  fifh  is  taken  in  great 
quantities  here,  that  refemble  a  fhad  in  their  fhape, 
but  they  are  rather  thicker,  and  lefs  boncy;  they 
weigh  about  four  pounds  each,  and  are  of  a  delicious 
tafte.  The  beft  way  of  catching  thefe  fifh  is  with  a 
net;  but  the  trout  might  be  taken  at  all  times  with 
the  hook.  There  ar^likewife  many  forts  of  fmaller 
fifh  in  great  plenty  here,  and  which  may  be  taken 
with  eafe  j  among  thefe  is  a  fort  refcmbling  a  herring, 
that  are  generally  made  ufe  of  as  a  bait  for  the  trout. 
Very  fmall  crabs,  not  larger  than  half  a  crown 
piece,  are  found  both  in  this  and  Lake  Michigan. 

This  Lake  is  as  much  afFeded  by  ftorms  as  the 
Atlantic  Ocean  j  the  waves  run  as  high,  and  are 
equally  as  dangerous  to  fhips.  It  difcharges  its  wa- 
ters from  the  fouth-eaft  corner,  through  the  Straits 
of  St.  Marie.  At  the  upper  end  of  thefe  Straits 
(lands  a  fort  that  receives  its  name  from  them,  com- 
manded by  Monf.  Cadot,  a  French  Canadian,  who 
being  proprietor  of  the  foil,  is  flill  permitted  to 
keep  pofTcfTion  of  it.  Near  this  fort  is  a  very  ftrong 
rapid,  againft  which,  though  it  is  impoflible  for 
canoes  to  afcend,  yet  when  conduced  by  careful  pi- 
lots, thry  might  pafs  down  without  danger. 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


^ 


Though  Lake  Superior,  as  I  have  before  obfervcd, 
is  fupplicd  by  near  torty  rivers,  many  of  which  arc 
confiderablc  ones  ;  ycc  it  does  not  appear  that  one 
tenth  part  of  the  waters  which  ^re  conveyed  into  it 
by  thefe  rivers,  are  carried  off  at  this  evacuation. 
How  fuch  a  fuperabuod^nce  of  waters  can  be  difpo- 
fed  of,  as  it  muft  certainly  be  by  fome  means  or 
other,  without  which  the  circumference  of  the  lake 
would  be  continually  enlarging,  I  know  not:  that  sc 
docs  not  empty  iticlf,  a$  d^e  Mediterranean  fea  is 
fuppofcd  to  do,  by  an  under  ciirrent,  which  pcr/- 
petually  counteradts  that  near  the  furface^  is  cer- 
tain j  for  the  dream  which  falls  over  thejrock  isaoc 
more  than  five  or  fix  feet  in  depth,  and  the  whole  df 
it  pafi*cs  on  through  the  S traits  into  the  adjac&n^ 
lake  i  nor  is  itprobabk  that  fo  greait  a  quantity  can 
be  abforbed  by  exhalations  ;  confequeiitly  they  mufb 
find  a  pa^Tage  thrx)ugh  fome  fubterranean  cavities^ 
deep,  luifachomable,  an4  Jiever  to  be  explored. 

The  Falls  of  St.  Marie  do  not  defcend  perpendi^ 
cularly  as  thofe  of  Niagara  or  St.  Anthony  do,  but 
contfift  of  a  rapid  which  continues  near  three  quar- 
ters of  a  mile,  over  which  canoes  well|>iloted  might 
pals. 

At  the  bottom  of  thefe  Falls,  Natwe  has  formed, 
a  mod  .commodious  itation  for  catching  the  tiih 
which  are  to  be  found  there  in  immenfe  quantities, 
[prions  ftanding  on  the  rocks  that  lie  adjacent  to  it, 
f^7  if,'ake  with  dipping  nets,  about  the  months  of 
>pp5>^abcr  and  Odober,  the  white  fiih  behove  men- 
t'ior^d ;  at  that  feafan,  together  wich  feveral  other 
species,  they  crowd  up  to  this  fpot  in  fuch  "amazing 
ihoals,  that  .enough  may  be  taken  to  fupply,  when 
properly  cured,  ttnoufan^s  of  inbabitancs  throughout 
the  year. 

M  ^ 


50 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


.  The  Straits  cf  St.  Marie  arc  about  forty  miles 
long,  bearing  fouth-caft,  but  varying  much  in  their 
brtajth.     The  current  between  the  Falls  and  Lake 

iHuron  is  not  Co  rapid  as  might  be  expefted,  nor  do 
they  prevent  the  navigation  of  lliips  of  burden  as  far 
up  as  the  ifland  of  St.  Jofcph. 

It  has  been  obferved  by  travellers  that  the  entrance 
.into  Lake  Superior,  from  thefe  Straits,  affords  one 
of  the  moft  pleafing  profpedls  in  the  werld.  The 
place  in  which  this  might  be  viewed  to  the  greateft 
advantage,  is  juft  at  the  opening  of  the  lake,  from 
whence  may  be  fcen  on  the  left,  many  beautiful  lit- 
tle iflands  that  extend  a  confiderable  way  before 
youi  and  on  the  right,  an  agreeable  fucceffio;i  ot 
fmall  points  of  land,  that  projedl  a  little  way  into  the 
water,  and  contribute,  with  the  iflands,  to  render 
^^his  delightful  bafon  (as  it  might  be  termed)  calm 
and  ft.curc  from  the  ravages  of  tliofe  tempeftuous 
winds  by  which  the  adjoining  lake  is  frequently 
troubled.  , 


Lakt  Huron,  into  which  you  now  enter  from  the 
Straits  of  St.  Marie,  is  the  next  in  magnitude  to 
Lake  Superior.  Ic  lies  between  forty  two-and  forty- 
fix  degrees  of  north  latitude,  and  feventy-nine  and 
$:ightyi-five  degrees  of  weft  longitude.  Its  fhape  is 
.nearly  triangular  and  its  circumference  about  one 
thoufand  miles,  -  ] 

;,_  On  the  north  fide  of  it  lies  an  ifland  that  i^  rev 
markable  for  being  near  an  hundred  miles  in  Iength,\ 
und  no  more  than  eight  miles  broad.  This  ifland  is  \^ 
known  by  the  n^^me  of  Manataulin,  which  fignifies 
a  Place  of  Spirits,  and  is  confidered  by  the  Indians 
tis  facrcd  as  thofe  already  mentioned^  in  Lake  Su- 
perior. 


CARVER'S    travels;  91 

About  the  middle  of  the  fbuth-wcft  fide  of  this 
Jake,  is  Saganaum  Bay.  The  capes  that  fcparate 
this  bay  from  the  lake,  are  eighteen  miles  dillant 
from  each  other;  near  the  middle  of  the  intermediate 
fpace  ftands  two  iflands,  which  greatly  tcn(J  to  faci- 
litate the  paflage  of  canoes  and  fmall  vclTcls,  by 
affording  them  fhelter,  as  without  this  fccurity  it 
would  not  be  prudent  to  venture  acrofs  fo  wide  a 
fea  i  and  the  coafting  round  the  bay  would  make  the 
voyage  long  and  tedious.  This  bay  is  about  eighty 
miles  in  lengdi  and  in  general  about  eighteen  or  twen- 
ty miles  broad, 

Nearly  half  way  between  Saganaum  Bay  and  the 
north-weft  corner  of  the  Lake,  lies  another,  which 
is  termed  Thunder  Bay.  The  Indians,  who  have 
frequented  thefe  parts  from  time  immemorial,  and 
every  European  traveller  that  had  paffed  through  it, 
have  unanimoufly  agreed  to  call  it  by  this  nahie,  on 
account  of  the  continual  thunder  they  have  always 
©bferved  here.  The  bay  is  about  nine  miles  broad, 
and  the  fame  in  length,  and  whilft  I  was  paffing  over 
it,  which  took  me  up  near  twenty-four  hours,  it 
thundered  and  lightened  during  the  greateft  part  of 
the  time  to  an  exceflive  degree. 

There  appeared  *to  be  no  vifible  reafon  for  this, 
that  I  could  difcover,  nor  is  the  country  in  general 
fubjed  to  thunder  j  the  hills  that  ftood  around  were 
not  of  a  remarkable  height,  neither  did  the  external 
parts  of  them  feem  to  be  covered  with  any  fulphurous 
fubftance,  But  as  this  phasnomenon  muft  originate 
from  fome  natural  caufe,  1  conjedure  that  the  fhores 
of  the  bay,  or  the  adjacent  mountains  are  either  im- 
pregnated with  an  uncommon  quantity  of  fdphurous. 
matter,  or  contain  fome  metal  or  mineral  apt  to  at- 
tract in  a  great  degree,  the  eledrical  particles  that 
^rc  hourly  borne  over  them  by  the  paffant  cloi^4^^ 


gm  C  A  R  V  B  %'8      TRAVELS. 

Bat  the  folution  of  this,  and  thofe  othcrphilofophLal 
remarks  which  cafoally  occur  throughout  thefe  pages, 
I  leave  to  the  difcuifion  of  abler  heads. 

The  fifli  in  Lake  Huron  are  much  the  fame  as 
thofe  in  Lake  Superior.  Some  of  the  land  on  its 
banks  is  very  fertile,  and  proper  for  cultivation, 
but  in  other  parts  it  is  fandy  and  barren.  The  pro- 
montory that  feparates  this  lake  from  Lake  Michi- 
gan, is  compofed  of  a  valt  plain,  upwards  of  one 
hundred  miles  long,  but  varying  in  its  breadth, 
being  from  ten  to  fifteen  miles  broad.  This  traft, 
as  I  have  before  obferved,  is  divided  into  almoft  an 
equal  portion  between  the  Ottawaw  and  Chipeway 
Indians.  At  the  north  eatl  corner  this  lake  has  a 
communication  with  Lake  Michigan,  by  the  Scraits 
<bfMichillimackinac  already  defcribed. 

I  had  like  to  have  omitted  4  very  extraordinary 
circumftance,  relative  to  thcfe  Straits.  According 
to  obfervation,  made  by  the  French,  whilft  they 
trcre  in  poirefTion  of  the  fort  j  although  there  is  no 
diurnal  flood  or  ebb  to  be  perceived  in  thefe  waters,- 
yet,  from  an  txsi€t  attention  to  their  ftate,  a  periodi- 
cal alteration  in  them  has  been  difcovered.  It  was 
obferved  that  they  arofe  by  gradual,  but  almoft  im- 
perceptible degrees  till  they  had  reached  the  height 
of  about  three  feet.  This  was  accomplilhed  in  fe- 
ven  years  and  a  halfj  and  in  the  fame  fpace  they  as 
gently  dec reafcd,  till  they  had  reached  their  former 
liruationj  fo  that  in  fifteen  years  they  had  completed 
this  ixexplicablc  revolution. 

At  the  time  I  was  |here,  the  truth  of  thcfe  obfer- 
varions  could  not  be  confirmed  by  the  Englilh,  as 
they  had  then  been  only  a  few  years  in  poffeffion  of 
|he  forti  but  they  all  agreed  that  fome  alteration  in 
the  limits  of  the  Straits  was  apparent.    All  thcfe 


C  A  R  V  E  R'l    TRAVELS. 


« 


IS  no 


Itkes  are  fo  afFc6bed  by  the  winds,  as  fometimes  to 
have  the  appearance  of  a  tide,  according  as  they 
happen  to  blowj  but  this  is  only  temporary  and  par- 
tial. 

A  great  number  of  the  Chipeway  Indians  live 
fcattered  around  this  lake,  particularly  near  Saga- 
naum  Bay.  On  its  banks  are  found  an  amazing 
quantity  of  the  fand  cherries,  and  in  the  adjacent 
country  nearly  the  fame  fruit,  as  thofe  that  grow 
about  the  other  lakes. 

From  the  Falls  of  St.  Marie  I  Icifurely  proceeded 
back  to  Michillimackinac,  and  arrived  there  the 
beginning  of  November  1767,  having  been  four- 
teen months  on  this  extenfive  tour,  travelled  near 
four  thoufand  miles,  and  vifited  twelve  nations  of 
Indians  lying  to  the  weft  and  north  of  this  place. 
The  winter  fetting  in  foon  after  my  arrival,  I  was 
obliged  to  tarry  there  till  June  following,  the  navi« 
gation  over  Lake  Huron  for  large  veffcls  not  being 
open,  on  account  of  the  ice,  tiU  that  time.  Meet- 
ing here  with  fociablc  company,  I  paffed  thefc 
^lonths  very  agreeably,  and  without  finding  the 
hours  tedious. 

Ope  of  my  chief  amufements  was  that  of  fifhing 
for  trouts.  Though  the  Straits  were  covered  with 
ice,  we  found  means  to  make  holes  through  it,  and 
letting  down  ftrong  lines  of  fifteen  yards  in  lengthy 
to  which  were  fixed  three  or  four  hooks  baited  with 
the  fmall  filh  before  defcribed,  we  frequently  caught 
two  at  a  time  of  forty  pounds  weight  eachj  but  the 
common  fizc  is  from  ten  to  twenty  pounds.  Thefc 
arc  moft  delicious  food.  The  method  of  preferving 
them  during  the  three  months  the  winter  generally 
lafts,  is  by  hanging  them  up  in'  the  air;  and  in  one 


94 


CARVER'i    TRAVELS. 


night  they  will  be  frozen  fo  hard  that  they  will  keep 
as  well  as  if  they  were  cored  with  fait. 

I  have  only  pointed  out  in  the  plan  of  my  travels 
the  circuit  I  made  from  my  leaving  Michillimacki- 
nac  till  I  arrived  again  at  that  fort.  Thofe  countries 
that  lie  nearer  to  the  colonies  have  been  Co  often  and 
fo  minutely  dcfcribed,  that  any  further  account 
of  them  would  be  ufclcfs.  I  Ihall  therefore  only 
give  my  readers  in  the  remainder  of  my  journal,  as 
I  at  firft  propofed,  a  defcription  of  the  other  great 
lakes  of  Canada,  many  of  which  J  have  navigated 
over,  and  relate  at  the  fame  time  a  few  particular 
incidents  that  I  trull  will  not  J3e  found  inapplicable 
or  unentcrtaining. 

In  June  1768  I  left  Michillimackinac,  and  re- 
turned in  the  Gladwyn  Schooner,  a  veffel  of  about 
eighty  tons  burthen,  over  Lake  Huron  to  Lake  St. 
Claire,  where  we  left  the  fhip,  and  proceeded  in 
boats  to  Detroit.  This  lake  is  about  ninety  miles 
in  circumference,  and  by  the  way  of  Huron  Rivejr, 
which  runs  from  the  fouch  corner  of  Lake  Huron, 
receives  the  waters  of  the  three  great  lakes,  Supe- 
rior, Michigan,  and  Huron.  Irs  form  is  rather 
round,  and  in  fomc  places  it  is  deep  enough  for  the 
navigation  of  large  vclTcls,  but  towards  the  middle 
of  it  there  is  a  barof  fand,  which  prevents  thofc  that; 
are  loaded  from  palling  over  i:.  Such  as  are  in  bal- 
Jaft  only  may  Hnd  water  fufficient  to  carry  them 
quite  through;  the  cargoes,  however,  offuchasare 
freighted  muft  be  taken  out,  and  after  being  tranf-r 
ported  a^rofs  the  bar  in  boats,  re-lhipped  again. 

The  river  that  runs  from  Lake  St.  Claire  to  Lake 
Erie  (or  rather  the  Strait,  for  thus  it  might  be 
termed  from  its  name)  is  called  Detroit,'  which  is  in 
French,  the  Strait.     It  runs  nearly  fouthj  has  a  gen,-. 


CARVE  R»s    TRAVELS. 


95 


tie  current,  and  depth  of  water  fufHcu-nt  for  (hips 
of  confiderable  burthen.  The  town  oi  Detroit  is 
fituatcd  on  the  wcftern  banks  of  this  river,  about 
nine  miles  below  Lake  St.  Claire. 

Almoft  oppofitc  on  the  eaftern  fhorc,  is  the  vil- 
lage of  the  ancient  Hurons:  a  tribe  of  Indians  which 
have  been  treated  of  by  fo  many  writers,  that  ad- 
hering to  the  rcftriftions  1  have  laid  myfelf  under 
of  only  defcribing  places  and  people  little  known, 
or  incidents  that  have  paffcd  unnoticed  by  others, 
I  (hall  omit  giving  a  defcription  of  them.  A 
minionary  of  tlie  order  of  Carthufian  Friars,  by 
pcrmiflion  of  the  bilhop  of  Canada,  refidcs  among 
them. 

The  banks  of  the  River  Detroit,  both  above  and 
below  thcfc  towns,  arc  covered  with  fettlemcnts 
that  extend  more  than  twenty  miles j  the  country 
being  exceedingly  fruitful,  and  proper  for  the  cul-' 
tivation  of  wheat,  Indian  corn,  oats,  and  peas. 
It  has,  alfo  many  fpots  of  fine  pafturagci  but  as  the 
inhabitants,  who  are  chiefly  French  that  fubmitted 
to  the  Englilh  government,  after  the  conqueft  of 
thefe  parts  by  General  Amherft,  arc  more  attentive 
to  the  Indian  trade  than  to  farming,  it  is  but  badly 
cultivated. 

The  town  of  Detroit  contains  upwards  of  one 
hundred  houfes.  The  ftreets  are  fomewhat  regular, 
and  have  a  range  of  very  convenient  and  handfomc 
barracks,  with  a  fpacious  parade  at  the  Ibuth  end. 
On  the  weft  fide  lies  the  king's  garden,  belonging 
to  the  governor,  which  is  very  v;ell  laid  out,  and 
kept  in  good  order.  The  fortifications  of  the  town 
confift  of  a  ftrong  ftockade,  made  of  round  piles, 
fixed  firmly  in  the  ground,  and  lined  with  pali- 
lades.     Thefe  are  defended  by  fume  fmall  b:\ftions, 


f0  C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS.' 

on  which  are  mounted  a  few  indiilerenc  cannon  of 
an  inconfidcrable  iize,  juil  fufficienc  for  its  defence 
againd  the  Indians,  or  an  enemy  not  provided  with 
artiJlcry, 

The  garrifon,  in  time  of  peace,  confids  of  two 
hundred  men,  commanded  by  a  field  oHicer,  who 
adls  as  chief  magifh'atc  under  the  governor  of  Ca- 
nada. Mr.  TurnbuU,  captain  of  the  6och  regiment, 
of  Royal  Americans,  was  commandant  when  I  hap- 
pened to  be  there.  This  gcndeman  was  defcrvedly 
cftcemcd  and  refpefccd,  both  by  the  inhabitants  and 
traders,  for  the  propriety  of  his  condu6b ;  and  I  am 
happy  to  have  an  opporcunity  of  tlius  publicly  mak- 
ing my  acknowledgments  to  him  for  the  civilities  I 
received  from  him  during  my  ftay. 

In  the  year  1762,  in  the  month  of  July,  it  rained 
on  this  town  and  the  parts  adjacent,  a  fulphureous 
water  of  the  colour  and  confidence  of  ink;  fbooe  of 
which  being  colle£bed  into  bottles,  and  wrote  with, 
appeared  per^ftly  intelligible  on  the  paper,  and 
anfwered  every  purpofe  of  that  ufeful  liquid.  Soon 
after,  the  Indian  wars  already  ipoken  of,  broke  out 
in  thefe  parts.  I  mean  not  to  fay  that  diis  incident 
was  ommous  of  them,  notwithftanding  it  is  well 
known  that  innumerable  well  attciled  inibmces  of 
extraordinary  phsenomcna  happening  before  extra- 
ordinary events,  have  been  recorded  in  almoft^vcry 
age  by  hiftorians  of  veracity i  1  only  relate  the  cir- 
cumftance  as  a  ^^,  of  which  I  was  informed  by 
many  perfons  of  undoubted  probity,  and  leave  my 
readers,  as  I  have  hitherto  done,  to  draw  their  own 
conclufions  from  it. 

Pontiac,  under  whom  the  party  that  furprifed 
FortMichillimackinac,  as  related  in  the  former  part 
of  this  work,   aded,  was  an  cntcrpriiing  chief  or 


C  A  R  V  E  R  •  1     TRAVELS. 


97 


hcad-warriorof  the  Miamics.  During  the  late  war 
between  the  Englilh  and  the  French,  he  had  been 
a  (teady  friend  to  the  latter,  and  continued  his  inve^ 
tcracy  to  the  former,  even  after  peace  had  been 
concluded  between  thcfe  two  nations.  Unwilling 
to  put  an  end  to  the  depredations  he  had  been  fo 
long  engaged  in,  he  colle(5ted  an  army  of  confede- 
rate Indians,  confiding  of  the  nations  before  enu- 
merated, with  an  intention  to  renew  the  war.  How- 
ever, inftead  of  openly  attacking  the  Englifh  fettlf- 
ments,  he  laid  a  fcheme  for  taking  by  furprifc  thofc 
forts  on  the  extrcmitieii  which  ihcy  had  lately  gained 
poficffion  oi\ 

How  well  the  party  he  detached  to  take  Fore 
Michillimackinac  fucceeded,  the  reader  already 
knows.  To  get  into  his  hands  Detroit,  a  place  of 
greater  confccjuence,  and  much  better  guarded,  re- 
quired greater  refolution,  and  more  confummatc 
art.  He  of  cburfe  took  the  management  of  this 
expedition  on  himfelf,  and  drew  near  it  with  the 
principal  body  of  his  troops.  He  was,  however, 
prevented  from  carrying  his  defigns  into  execution, 
by  an*  apparently  trivial  and  unforefecn  circumftancc. 
On  fuch  does  the  fate  of  mighty  empires  frequently 
depend ! 

• 

The  town  of  Detroit,  when  Ponriac  formed  his 
plan,  was  garrifoned  by  about  three  hundred  men, 
commanded  by  Major  Gladwyn,  a  sallant  officer. 
As  at  that  time  every  appearance  of  war  was  at  an 
end,  and  the  Indians  fecmed  to  be  on  a  friendly  foot- 
ing, Pontiac  approached  the  Fort,  without  exciting 
any  fufpicions  in  the  bread  of  the  governor  or  the 
inhabitants.  He  encamped  at  a  little  didance  from 
it,  and  fent  to  let  the  commandant  know  that  he  was 
come  to  trade  -,    and  being  de&rous  of  brighteninf 

N 


98 


C  A  R  V  E  R'8    TRAVELS. 


the  chain  of  peace  betwen  the  Englifh  and  his  na- 
tion, dcfired  that  he  and  his  chiefs  might  be  admit- 
ted to  hold  a  council  iviih  him.  The  governor  ftill 
unfofpicious,  and  not  in  the  Icaft  doubting  the  fm- 
cerity  of  the  Indians,  granted  their  general's  requeft, 
and  fixed  on  the  next  morning  for  their  reception. 

The  evening  of  that  day,  an  Indian  woman  who 
had  been  employed  by  Major  Gladwyn,  to  m?ke 
him  a  pair  of  Indian  fhoes,  out  of  curious  elk-(kin, 
brought  them  home.  The  Major  was  fo  pleafed 
with  them,  that,  intending  thefe  as  a  prefent  for  a 
friend",  he  ordered  her  to  take  the  remainder  back, 
and  make  it  into  others  for  himfelf.  He  then  di- 
rc6led  his  fervant  to  pay  her  for  thofe  fhc  had  done, 
and  difmiflcd  her.  The  woitian  went  to  the  door 
that  led  tv>  the  ftrect,  but  no  further  j  (he  there  loi- 
tered about  asif  fhe  had  not  finifhed  the  bufinefs  on 
which  fhe  came.  A  fervant  at  length  obferved  her, 
and  afked  her  why  fhe  ftaid  there ;  fhe  gave  him, 
however,  no  anfwer. 

Some  fliort  time  after,  the  governor  himfelf  faw 
her  J  and  enquired  of  his  fervant  M^hat  occafioned  her 
llay.  Not  being  able  te  get  a  fatisfaftory  anfwer, 
he  ordered  the  woman  to  be  called  in.  When  Ihc 
came  into  his  prefence  he  defired  to  know  what  was 
the  rcafon  of  her  loitering  about,  and  not  hailtning 
home  before  the  gates  w^erc  fhut,  that  fhe  might 
complete  in  due  time  the  work  he  had  given  her 
to  do.  She  told  him,  after  much  hefitation,  that  as 
he  had  always  behaved  with  great  goodnefs  towards 
her,  Ihe  was  unwilling  to  take  away  the  remainder 
of  the  fkin,  bccaufe  he  put  fo  great  a  value  upon  it; 
and  yet  had  not  been  able  to  prevail  upon  herfelf  to 
tell  hifti  fo.  He  then  alked  her,  why  fhe  was  more 
rcludlant  to  do  fo  now,  than  fhe  had  been  when  fhc 
rtladc  the  former  par.     With  encrcafed  rcludancc 


V 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


9f 


Ihe  a;ifwcred,  that  flic  never  fliould  be  able  to  bring 
fhem  back. 

His  curiofity  being  now  excited,  he  infilled  on 
her  difclofing  to  him  the  fecret  that  fecmcd  to  br 
ilrugghng  in  her  bofom  for  utterance.  At  laf*,  on 
receiving  a  promife  that  the  intelligence  (he  was 
about  to  give  him  fliould  not  turn  to  her  prejudice, 
and  that  if  it  appeared  to  bft  beneficial,  flic  fliouidbc 
rewarded  for  it,  flie  informed  him,  that  at  thecoi^n- 
cil  to  be  held  with  the  Indians  the  following  day, 
Pontiac  and  his  chiefs  intended  to  murder  hinij  and, 
after  having  niairacred  the  garrifon  and  inhabitants, 
to  plunder  the  town.  That  for  this  purpofe  all  the 
chiefs  who  were  to  be  admitted  into  the  council-room, 
had  cut  their  gunsfliort,  fo  that  they  could  conceal 
them  under  their  blankets;  with  which,  at  a  fignal 
given  by  their  general,  on  delivering  the  belt,  they 
were  all  to  rife  up,  and  inltantly  to  fire  on  him  and 
his  attendants.  Haying  eflPefted  this,  they  Vvcre 
immediately  to  rufh.  into  the  town,  where  they  would 
find  themfelves  fupported  by  a  great  number  of  their 
warriors,  that  were  to  come  into  it  during  the  fitting 
of  the  council,  under  pretence  of  trading,  but  pri- 
vately arm^d  in  the  fame  manner.  Having  gained 
trom  the  women  every  neceffary  particular  relative 
to  the  plot,  and  alfo  of  the  means  by  which  flic  ac- 
quired a  knowledge  of  them,  he  difmilfed  her  with 
injunftions  of  fccrecy,  and  r,  promife  of  fulfilling  on 
his  part  with  punctuality,  the  engagements  he  had 
entered  int9. 

The  intelligence  the  governor  had  juft  received, 
gave  him  great  uneafincfsj  and  he  immediately  c6n  - 
iiiltcd  the  officer  who  was  not  next  to  him  in  com- 
mand, on  the  fubjeft.  But  that  gentleman  confi- 
dering  the  information  as  a  fl:ory  invented  for  iome 
artful  purpofes,  advifed  him  to  pay  no  attention  tq 


* 


lOO 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


it.  This  conclufion,  however,  had  happily  no 
weight  with  him.  He  thought  it  prudent  to  conclude 
it  to  be  true,  till  he  was  convinced  that  it  was  not 
foj  and  therefore,  without  revealing  his  fqfpicions 
to  any  other  perfon,  he  took  every  needful  precau- 
tion that  the  time  would  admit  of.  He  walked  round 
the  fort  during  the  whole  night,  and  faw  himfelf 
that  every  ccntinel  was  on  duty,  and  every  weapon 
of  defence  in  proper  order. 

As  we  traverfed  the  ramparts,  which  lay  ncarcfl: 
to  the  Indian  camp,  he  heard  them  in  high  fcftivity, 
and,  little  imagining  that  their  plot  was  difcovered, 
probably  pleafing  thcnifclves  with  the  anticipation 
of  their  fuccefs.  As  foon  as  the  morning  dawned, 
he  ordered  all  the  garrifon  under  arms  j  and  then 
imparting  hi§  apprehenfions  to  a  few  of  the  principal 
officers,  gave  them  fuch  dircdions  as  he  thought  ne- 
ceffary.  At  the  fame  time  he  fent  round  to  all  the 
traders,  to  inform  them,  that  as  it  was  expcded  a 
great  number  of  Indians  would  enter  the  town  that 
day,  whp  might  be  inclined  to  plunder,  he  defired 
they  would  have  their  arms  ready,  and  repel  every 
attempt  of  that  kind. 

About  ten  o'clock,  Pontiac  and  his  chiefs  arrivedj 
and  were  conduced  to  the  council-chamber,  where 
the  governor  and  his  principal  officers,  each  with 
piftols  in  their  belts,  awaited  his  arrival.  As  the 
Indians  palled  on,  they  could  not  help  obferving 
that  a  greater  number  of  troops  than  ufual  were 
drawn  up  on  the  parade,  or  marching  about.  No 
fooner  were  they  entered,  and  feated  on  the  Ikins 
prepared  for  them,  than  Pontiac  afked  the  governor 
on  what  occafion  his  young  men,  meaning  the  fol- 
dicrs,  were  thus  drawn  up,  and  parading  the  (treets. 
He  received  fo^anfwer,  that  it  was  only  intended  to 
keep  them  perfciSt  in  their  cxercife. 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


t«t 


The  Indian  chief-warrior  now  began  his  fpeech, 
which  contained  the  ftrongcfl:  profclfions  of  friendfhip 
and  good-will  towards  the  Englifhj  and  when  he 
came  to  the  delivery  of  the  belt  of  wampum,  the 
particular  mode  of  which,  according  to  the  woman's 
mfotmation,  was  to  be  the  fignal  for  his  chiefs  to 
fire,  the  governor  and  all  his  attendants  drew  their 
fwords  halfway  out  of  their  fcabbardsj  and  the  fol- 
dicrs  at  the  fame  inftant  made  a  clattering  with  their 
:irms  before  the  doors,  which  had  been  purpofely 
left  open.  Pontiac,  though  one  of  the  boldcft  of 
men,  immediately  turned  pale,  and  trembled  j  and 
inftead  of  giving  the  belt  in  the  manner  propofed, 
delivered  it  according  to  the  ufual  way.  His  chiefs, 
who  had  impatiently  expeftcd  the  fignal,  looked  ac 
each  other  with  allonifliment,  but  continued  quiet, 
ly ailing  the  refult. 

The  governor  in  his  turn  made  a  fpeech;  but  in- 
ftead  of  thanking  the  great  warrior  for  the  profeffions 
pf  friendfhip  he  had  juft  iittered,  he  accufed  him  of 
being  a  traitor.  He  told  him  that  the  Engliih,  who 
knew  every  thing,  were  convinced  of  his  treachery 
and  villainous  dcfignsi  and  as  a  proof  that  they  were 
well  acquainted  with  his  moft  fccret  thoughts  and 
intentions,  he  ftepped  towards  the  Indian  chief  that 
fat  ncareft  to  him,  and  drawing  afide  his  blanket, 
difcovered  the  fhortcncd  firelock.  This  entirely 
difconcerted  the  Indians,  and  fruftrated  their  de- 
fign. 

He  then  continued  to  tell  them,  that  as  he  had 
given  his  word  at  the  time  they  dcfircd  an  audience, 
that  their  perfons  fhould  be  fafe,  he  would  hold  his 
promife  inviolable,  though  they  fo  little  deforved  it. 
However,  he  advifed  them  to  make  the  beft  of 
their  way  out  of  the  fort,  left  his  young  men  on  being 


Tos 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


acquainted  with  their  treacherous  purpofcs,  fhoul4 
cut  every  one  of  them  to  pieces. 

Pontiac  endeavoured  to  contradi6t  the  accufation, 
and  to  make  excufes  for  his  fufpicious  conduct  i  but 
the  governor,  fatisfied  of  the  falfity  of  his  protefta- 
tion,  would  not  liftcn  to  him.  The  Indians  imme- 
diately left  the  fort,  but  inftead  of  being  fenfiblc  of 
the  governor's  generous  behaviour,  they  threw  off 
the  ma(k,  and  tlie  next  day  made  a  regui:.r  attack 
upon  it. 

Major  Giadwyn  has  not  efcapcd  cenfure  for  this 
miitaken  lenity  i  for  probably  had  he  kept  a  few  of 
the  principal  chiefs  priibners,  whilft  he  had  them  in 
his  power,  he  might  have  been  able  to  have  brought 
the  whole  confederacy  to  terms,  and  have  prevented 
a  war.  But  he  atoned  for  this  overfight,  by  the  gal- 
lant defence  he  made  for  more  than  a  year,  amidft  ^ 
variety  of  difcouragements, 

During  that  period  fome  very  fmart  (kirmifhes 
happened  between  the  befiegers  and  the  garrifon,  of 
which  the  following  was  the  principal  and  mod 
bloody :  Captain  Delzcl,  a  brave  officer,  prevailed 
on  the  governor  to  give  him  the  command  of  about 
two  hundred  men,  and  to  permit  him  to  attack  the 
enemy's  camp.  This  being  complied  with,  he  fallied 
from  the  town  before  day-break  j  but  Pontiac,  re- 
ceiving from  fome  of  his  fwift-footed  warriors,  who 
were  conftantly  employed  in  watching  the  motion  of 
the  garrifon,  timely  intelligence  of  theif  dcfign,  he 
coUcded  together  the  choiceft  of  his  troops,  and  met 
the  detachment  at  fome  dill^nce  from  his  camp, 
near  a  place  fince  called  Bloody-Bridge. 

As  the  Indians  were  vaftly  fupcrior  in  nurpbers  to 
captain  Dflael's  party,  he  was  foon  over-powered 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s    TRAVELS. 


»03 


and  driven  back.  Being  now  nearly  furrounded,  he 
made  a  vigorous  effort  to  regain  the  bridge  he  had 
juft  croflcd,  by  which  alone  he  could  find  a  retreat; 
but  in  doing  this  he  loft  his  life,  and  many  of  his  men 
fell  with  him.  However,  major  Rogers,  the  fecond 
in  command,  afiiftcd  by  Lieutenant  Breham,  found 
means  to  draw  off  the  fhattcred  remains  of  their  lit- 
tle army,  and  conduflcd  them  into  the  fort. 


Thus  confidcrably  reduced,  it  was  with  difficulty 
the  major  could  defend  the  town;  notwithfcand- 
ing  which,  he  held  out  againft  the  Indians  till 
he  was  relieved,  as  after  this  they  made  but  few 
attacks  on  the  place,  and  only  continued  to  block- 
ade it. 

The  Gladwyn  fchooner  (that  in  which  I  after- 
wards took  my  paffage  from  Michillimackinac  to 
Detroit,  and  which  I  fincc  learn  was  loft:  with  all  her 
crew,  on  Lake  Erie,  through  the  obftinacy  of  the 
commander,  who  could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to 
take  in  fufficient  ballaft)  arrived  about  this  time, 
near  the  town,  with  a  reinforcement,  and  neceffary 
fupplies.  But  before  this  vcffel  could  reach  the 
place  of  its  deftinaiion,  it  was  moft  vigoroufly  at- 
tacked by  a  detachment  from  Pontiac's  army.  The 
Indians  furrounded  it  in  their  canoes,  and  made  great 
havoc  among  the  crew. 

At  length  the  captain  of  the  fchooner,  with  a 
confiderable  number  of  his  men  being  killed,  and 
the  favages  beginning  to  climb  up  the  fides  from 
every  quarter,  the  lieutenant  (M.  Jacobs,  who  af- 
terwards commanded,  and  was  loft  in  it)  being  de- 
termined that  the  ftores  ftiould  not  fall  into  the  ene- 
my's hands,  and  feeing  no  other  alternative,  order- 
ed the  gunner  to  fet  fire  to  the  powder-room,  and 
blow  the  ftiip  up.     This  order  was  on  the  point  of 


104 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


being  executed,  when  a  chief  of  the  Hurons,  who 
iinderftood  the  Engliih  .  lauguagc,  gave  out  to  his 
friends  the  intention  of  the  commander.  On  re- 
cicving  this  intelligence,  the  Indians  hurried  down 
the  fide  of  the  Ihip  with  the  greatcft  precipitation, 
and  got  as  far  from  it;  as  pofliblc ;  whilft  the  com- 
mander immediately  took  advantage  of  their  con- 
llernation,  and  arrived  witliouc  any  further  obftruc- 
tion  at  the  town. 

This  feafonable  fupply  gave  the  garrifon  frelh 
fpirits  i  and  Pontiac  being  now  convinced  that  it 
would  not  be  in  his  power  to  reduce  the  place,  pro- 
pofed  an  accommodation  j  the  governor  wifhcd  as 
much  to  get  rid  of  fuch  troublefome  enemies,  who 
obftrufted  the  intercourfe  of  the  traders  with  the 
neighbouring  nations,  liftened  to  his  propofals,  and 
having  procured  advantageous  terms,  agreed  to  a 
peace.  The  Indians  foon  after  feparated,  and  re- 
turned to  their  different  provinces  j  nor  have  they 
fmce  thought  proper  to  ^ifturb,  at  lead  in  any 
great  degree,  the  tranquility  of  thefc  parts. 

Pontiac  henceforward  fcemed  to  have  laid  afidc 
the  animofity  he  had  hitherto  borne  towards  the 
Englifh,  and  apparently  became  their  zealous  friend. 
To  reward  this  new  attachment,  and  to  infure  a  cOn  - 
tinuance  of  it,  government  allowed  him  ahandfomc 
penfion.  But  his  refllefs  and  intriguing  fpirit  would 
not  fufFer  him  to  be  grateful  for  this  allowance,  and 
his  conduct  at  length  grew  fufpicious ;  fo  that  going, 
in  the  year  1767,  to  hold  a  council  in  the  country  of 
the  Illinois,  a  faithful  Indian,  who  was  either  com- 
miffioned  by  one  of  the  Englifh  governors,  or  in- 
ftigated  by  the  love  he  bore  the  Englifh  nation,  at- 
tended him  as  a  fpy;  and  being  convinced  from  the 
fpeech  Pontiac  made  in  the  council,  that  he  flill  re- 
tained his  former  prejudices  aguinfl  thofe  for  whom 
he  now  profefTed  a  friend  fhip,  he  plunged   his  knife 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


105 


into  his  heart,  as  foon  as  he  had  done  fpeaking,  and 
kid  him  dead  on  the  fpot.  But  to  return  from  this 
digteflion. 

Lake  Eric  receives  thc.watcrs  by  which  it  is  fup- 
plied  from  the  three  great  lakes,  through  the  Straits 
of  Detroit,  that  lie  at  its  north-weft  oerner.  This 
lake  is  fituated  between  forty-one  and  forty-three 
degrees  of  north  latitude,  and  between  feventy-eighr 
and  eighty-three  degrees  of  weft -longitude.  It  is 
near  three  hundred  miles  long  from  eaft  to  weft,  and 
about  forty  in  its  broadeft  part  :  and  a  remarkable 
long  narrow  point  lies  on  its  north  fide,  that  projefts 
for  fevcral  miles  intotbe  lake  towards  the  fouth-eaft. 

There  are  fevcral  iflands  near  the  weft  end  of  it  fo 
infefted  with  rattle- fnakes,  that  it  is  very  dangerous 
to  land  on  them.  It  is  impoflible  that  any  place 
can  produce  a  greater  number  of  all  kinds  of  thefe 
reptiles  than  this  does,  particularly  of  the  water- 
fnake.  The  lake  is  covered  near  the  banks  of  the 
iflands  with  the  large  pond-lily;  the  leaves  of whichlie 
on  the  furface  of  the  water  fo  thick,  as  to  cover  it 
entirely  for  many  acresjtogether  j  and  on  each  of  thefe 
lay,  when  I  paflTed  over  it,  wreaths  of  water-fnakes 
baflcing  in  the  fun,  which  amounted  to  myriads. 

The  moft  remarkable  of  the  different  fpecies,  that 
infeft  this  lake,  is  the  hilTmg-fnake,  which  is  of  the 
fmall  (peckled  kind,  and  about  eight  inches  long. 
When  any  thing  approaches,  it  flattens  itfelf  in  a  mo- 
ment, and  its  fpots,  which  are  of  various  dyes  be- 
come vifibly  brighter  through  rage  j  at  the  fame  time 
it  blows  from  its  mouth,  with  great  force,  a  fubtilc 
wind,  that  is  reported  to  be  of  a  naufeous  fmell ;  and 
if  drawn  in  with  the  breath  of  the  unwary  traveller, 
will  infallibly  bring  on  a  decline,    that  in  a  few 

O 


1C36 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


months  muft  prove  mortal,  there  being  no  remedy 
yet  difcovered  which  can  countcraft  its  baneful  in- 
fluence. 

The  Hones  nnd  pebbled  on  the  fhores  of  this  lake 
.  zT^  mcil  of  them  tinged,  in  a  greater  or  lefs  degree^ 
with  fpots  that  fcftmble  brafs  in  their  colour,  but 
whifh  Hre  of  a  morfe  fulphufeous  iiature.  Small 
pieces,  about  the  flze  of  hazle-nuts,  of  the  fame 
kinds  of  ore,  are  found  on  the  fands  that  lie  on  its 
banks,  and  under  the  waten 

Tiic  navigation  of  this  lake  is  eftcemcd  more 
dangerous  than  any  of  the  others,  on  accoKint  of 
many  high  lands  that  lie  on  the  borders  of  it,  and 
project  into  the  water,  in  a  perpendicular  diredfcion 
for  many  miles  together  j  fo  that  whenever  fudden 
ftorms  arife,  canoes  and  boats  are  frequently  loft,  as 
thtre  is  no  place  for  them  to  find  a  fhelter. 

This  lake  difcharges  its  waters  at  the  iiorth-eaft 
ends  into  thie  River  Niagara,  which  runs  north  and 
fouth,  and  is  about  thirty  fix  miles  in  length  j  from 
whence  it  falls  into  Lake  Ontario.  At  the  entrance 
of  this  riv6r,  on  its  eaftern  fllore,  lies  Fort  Niagara  j 
and,  about  eighteen  miles  further  up,  thofe  remark- 
able Falls  which  are  cfteemed  one  of  the  moll  ex-  > 
traordinaryprodudions  of  nature  at  prefcnt  known. 

As  thefe  have  been  vifited  by  fb  many  travellers, 
and  lb  frequchtly  defcribed,  1  Ihall  omit  giving  a 
partic:utar  defcription  of  thetn,  and  only  obferve,  that 
the  "waters  by  which  they  are  fupplied,  after  taking 
their  rife  hear  two  thoufand  miles  to  the  north- 
weft,  and  pafling  through  the  Lakes  SUperior,Michi- 
gan,  Huron,  and  Eire,  during  which  they  have  been 
*receivihg  conftaht  accumulations,  at  length  rulh 
down  a  ftupcndous   precipice  of  one  hundred  and 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


WJ 


forty  feet  perpendicular  j  and  in  a  ftron^  rapid,  that 
extends  to  the  diftancc  of  eight  or  nine  miks  below, 
fall  nearly  as  miich  more  :  this  river  foon  afic^ 
empties  itfclf  into  Lake  Ontario. 

The  noife  of  thefe  Falls  may  be  lieard  an  amaz- 
ing way.  I  could  plainly  diftinguilh  them  in  a  calm 
piorning  more  than  twenty  miles.  Others  have 
laid  that  at  particular  times,  and  when  the  wind  fit§ 
fair,  the  found  of  them  reaches  fifteen  leagues. 

The  land  about  the  Fall  is  exceedingly  hilly  and 
uneven,  but  the  greateft  part  of  that  on  the  Niagara 
River  is  very  good,  cfpecially  for  grafs  an4 
paflurage. 

Fort  Niagara  ftands  nearly  at  the  entrance  of  the 
weft  end  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  on  the  eaft  part  of  the 
Straits  of  Niagara.  It  w^s  taken  from  the  French 
in  the  year  1759,  by  the  forces  under  the  command 
of  Sir  Williarn  Johnfon,  and  atprefcn^is  defended 
by  a  confideralbje  garrifoh. 

Lak«  Ontario  is  the  next  and  leaft  of  the  fiyc 
great  lakes  of  Canada.  Its  fituation  is  bet\^een  forty 
three  and  forty- five  degrees  of  latitude,  and  be- 
tween feventy-fix  and  fevehty-nine  degrees  of  weft 
longitude.  The  fottii  of  it  is  nearly  oval,  its  greatefi; 
length  being  frpiti  riOrth-eiaft  to  fouth-wc^,  and  in 
circumference,  abotit  fix  hundred  miles^  Near  the 
fouth-eaft  part  it  receives  the  waters  oftheOfwego 
Rivcr,and  on  the  iibrth-eaft  difcharges  itfetf  into  the 
River  Cataraqui.  Not  far  from  the  place  where  it 
iiTues,  Fort  Frontenac  formerly  ftgod,  which  was 
taken  from  the  French  during  the  laft  war,  Irt  the 
year  1758,  by  a  fmall  army  of  Provincials  underCoj. 
Pradftrcct. 


io8 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


At  the  entrance  of  Ofwcgo  River  ftands  a  fort  of 
the  fame  name,  garrifoncd  only  at  prefcnt  by  qn  in- 
confiderable  party.  This  fort  was  taken  in  the  year 
1756,  by  the  French,  when  a  great  part  of  the  gar- 
rifon,  which  confided  of  the  late  Shirley's  and  Pep- 
peril's  regiments,  were  maiTacred  in  cold  blood  by 
the  favages. 

In  Lake  Ontario  are  taken  many  forts  of  fifli, 
among  which  is  the  Ofwcgo  Bafs,  of  an  excellent 
flavour,  and  weighing  about  thue  or  four  pounds. 
There  is  alfo  a  lort  called  the  Cat- head  or  Pout, 
which  are  in  general  very  large,  fome  of  them 
weighing  eight  or  ten  pounds  ,  and  they  are  efteemed 
a  rare  difh  when  properly  dreflcd^ 

On  thenorth-weftpartof  this  Lake,  and  to  the 
fouth-eaft  of  Lake  Huron,  is  a  tribe  of  Indians  called 
Miflifauges,  whofe  town  is  denominated  Toronto^, 
from  the  lake  on  which  it  lies  ;  but  they  are  not  very 
numerous.  The  country  about  Lake  Ontario,  efr 
pecially  the  more  north  and  caftern  parts,  is  compofed 
of  good  land,  and  intin^e  may  make  v^ry  flourifh- 
ing  fettlcments. 

The  Oniada  Lake,  fituated  near  the  head  of  the 
River  Ofwego,  receives  the  waters  of  Wood-Creek, 
which  .takes  its  rife  not  far  from  the  Mohawk's 
River.  Thefe  two  lie  fo  adjacent  to  each  other, 
that  a  junftion  is  effeded  by  fluices  at  fort  Stanwix, 
about  twelve  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  former. 
This  lake  is  about  thirty  miles  long  from  call  to  weft-, 
and  near  fifteen  broad.  The  country  around  it  be- 
longs to  the  Oniada  Indians. 

Lake  Champlain,  the  next  in  fize  to  Lake  On- 
tario, and  which  lies  nearly  eaft  from  it  is  about 
eighty  miles  ia  length,  north  and  fouth,  and  in  its 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS.  So^ 

biToadcft  part  fourteen.  It  is  well  ftorcd  with  fifli, 
and  the  lands  that  He  on  all  the  borders  of  it^  and 
about  its  rivers,  very  good. 

* 

Lake  George,  formerly  called  by  the  French 
Lake  St.  Sacrament,  lies  to  the  fouth-well  of  the 
laft  mentioned  lake,  and  is  about  thirty-five  miles 
long  from  north- e  a  ft  tofouth-weft,  but  of  no  great 
breadth.  The  country  around  it  is  very  mountain- 
ous, but  in  the^allies  the  land  is  tolerably  good. 

When  thefe  two  lakes  were  firft  difcovered,  they 
were  known  by  no  other  name  than  that  of  the  Iro- 
quois Lakes  -,  and  I  believe  in  the  firft  plans  taken 
of  thofc  parts,  were  fo  denominated.  The  Indians 
alfo  that  were  then  called  the  Iroquois,  are  fincc 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Five  Mowhawk  nations, 
and  the  Mowhawks  of  Canada.  In  the  late  tvar,  the 
former,  which  confift  of  the  Onondagoes,  the 
Oniadas,  the  Senccas,the  Tufcarories,andIroondocks, 
fought  on  the  fide  of  the  Englifh  :  the  latter  which 
are  called  the  Cohnawaghans,  and  St.  Francis  In- 
dians, joined  the  Frenchi. 

A  vaft  traft  of  land  that  lies  between  the  two  laft 
mentioned  lakes  and  Ontario,  was  granted  in  the 
year  1629,  by  the  Plymouth  Company,  under  a 
patent  they  had  received  from  King  James  I.  to 
Sir  Ferdinando  Gorgesj  and  to  Captain  John  Ma- 
fon,  the  head  of  that  family,  afterwards  diftinguilhed 
from  others  of  the  fame  name,  by  the  Mafons  of 
Connefticut.  The  countries  fpecificd  in  this  grant 
are  faid  to  begin  ten  miles  from  the  heads  or  the. 
rivers  that  run  from  the  eaft  and  fouth  into  Lake 
George  and  Lake  Champlain  ;  and  continuing  frbm 
thefe  in  a  direft  line  weftward,  extend  to  the  mid- 
dle of  Lake  Ontario  ;  from  thence,  being  bounded 
by  tfic  Cataraqui,  or  river  of  the  Iroquois,  they  take 


no 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


their  courfc  to  Montreal,  as  far  as  Fort  Sorrell,  which 
lies  at  the  junftion  of  this  river  with  the  Richlieu  j 
and  from  that  point  arc  cnclofcd  by  the  laft  men- 
tioned  river  till  it  returns  back  to  the  two  lakes* 

This  immenfc  fpacc  was  granted  by  the  name  of 
the  Province  of  Laconia,  to  the  afore faid  gentleman, 
on  fpecified  conditions,  and  under  certain  penalties ; 
but  none  of  thefe  amounted  in  cafe  of  omilfion  in 
the  fulfilment  of  any  part  of  them,  to  forfeiture,  a 
line  only  could  be  exadbed.  <# 

On  account  of  the  continual  wars  to  which  thefe 
parts  have  been  fubjeft,  from  their  fituation  between 
the  fcttlcmcnts  of  the  Engiifli,  the  French,  and  the 
Indians,  this  grant  has  been  fuffered  to  lie  dormant 
by  the  real  proprietors.  Notwithftanding  which, 
fcveral  towns  have  been  fettled  fincc  the  late  war, 
on  the  borders  of  Lake  Champlain^  and  grants  made 
to  different  people  by  the  governor  of  New- York, of 
part  of  thefe  territories,  which  arc  now  become  an^ 
ncxedto  that  province. 

There  arc  &  great  number  of  lakes  on  the  north 
of  Canada,  between  Labrador,  Lake  Superior,  and 
Hudfon'sBay,  but  thefe  are  comparatively  fmall. 
As  they  lie  out  of  the  track  th.uApurfued,!  fhallonly 
give  a  fummary  account  of  them,  The  moft  wes- 
terly of  thefe  are  the  Lakes  Nipifing  and  Tamifcam- 
ing.  The  firft  lies  at  the  head  t)f  the  French  River, 
and  runs  into  Lake  Huron  j  the  other  on  the  Otta- 
waw  River,  which  empties  itfelfinto  the  Cartaraqui 
at  Montreal.  Thefe  lakes  are  each  about  one  hun- 
dred miles  in  circumference.. 

The  next  is  Lake  Miftafiln,  on  the  head  of  Ru- 
pert's Rjver,  that  falls  into  James's  Bay.  This  Lake 
is  fo  irregular    from  the  large  points  of  land    by 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


m 


which  It  is  intcrfcftcd  on  every  fide,  that  it  is  diffi- 
cult cither  to  defcribe  its  fliape^  or  to  afcertain  its 
fizc.  It  however  appears  on  the  whole  to  be  more 
than  two  hundred  miles  in  circumference* 

Lake  St.  John,  which  is  about  eighty  miles 
round,  and  of  a  circular  form,  lies  on  the  S^iguenay 
River,  dirc6tly  north  of  Quebec,  and  falls  Into  the 
St.  Lawrence,  fomewhat  north-caft  of  that  city. 
Lake  Manikouagone  lies  near  the  head  of  the  Black 
River,  which  empties  itfelf  into  the  St.  Lawrence  to 
theeaflward  of  the  laft  mentioned  river,  near  the  coaft 
of  Labrador,  and  is  about  lixty  miles  in  circumfe- 
rence. Lake  Pertibi,  Lake  Wmcktagan,  Lake  Et- 
chelaugon,  and  Lake  Papenouagane,  with  a  num- 
ber of  other  fmall  lakes^  lie  near  the  heads  of  the 
Buftard  River  to  the  north  of  the  St.  Lawrence. 

Many  others,  which  it  is  unneceflary  to  parti- 
cularize here,  are  alfo  found  bttween  the  Lakes 
Huron  and  Ontario. 

'  * 

The  whole  of  thofe  I  have  enumerated,  amount- 
ing to  upwards  of  twenty,  arc  within  the  limits  of 
Canada;  and  from  this  account  it  might  be  deduced, 
that  the  northern  parts  of  North- America,  thrcugli 
theic  numerous  inland  feas,  contain  a  greater  quan- 
tity of  wa;er  than  any  other  quarter  of  the  globe. 

In  October  1768  I  arrived  at  Bofton,  having  bcea 
abfent  from  it  on  this  expedition  two  years  and  five 
months,  and  during  that  time  travelled  »iear  fevcn 
thoufand  miles.  From  thence,  as  ^oon  as  I  had  pro- 
perly digeftcd  my  Journal  and  Charts,  I  fet  out  for 
England  to  communics'i  che  difcoveriesi  had  made, 
and  to  render  therr.  beneficial  to  the  kingdom.  But 
the  profecutionofn^  plans  for  reaping  thcfe  advan- 
tages has  hitherto  been  obftrudcd  by  the  unhappy 


,^ 


112 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


m 


divifions  that  have  been  fomented  between  Great- 
Britain  and  her  Colonies  by  their  mutual  enemies. 
Should  peace  once  more  be  reftorcd,  I  doubt  not 
but  that  the  countries  I  have  defcribed  will  prove  a 
more  abundant  fource  of  riches  to  this  nation,  than 
cither  its  Eaft  or  Weft- Indian  fettlcments  j  and  I 
fhall  not  only  pride  myfelf,  but  fincerely  rejoice  in 
being  the  means  of  pointing  out  to  it  fo  valuable  an 
acquifition. 

I  cannot  conclude  the  account  of  my  extcnfive  tra- 
vels, without  expreffing  my  gratitude  to  that  bene- 
ficent Being  who  invifibly  proteded  me  through  thofe 
perils  which  unavoidably  attend  fo  long  a  tour 
among  fierce  and  untutored  favages. 

At  the  fame  time  let  me  not  be  accufed  of  vanity 
or  prefumption,  if  I  declare  that  the  motives  alleged 
in  the  introdudbion  of  this  work,  were  not  the  only 
ones  that  induced  me  to  engage  in  this  arduous  un- 
dertaking. My  views  were  not  folely  confined  to 
the  advantages  that  might  accrue  either  to  myfelf, 
or  the  community  to  which  I  belonged  i  byt  nobler 
purpofes  contributed  principally  to  urge  me  on.   . 

The  confined  ftate,  both  with  regard  to  civil  and 
religious  improvements,  in  which  lo  many  of  my 
fellow-creatures  re^iaihed,  aroufed  within  my  bo- 
fom  an  irrefiftible  inclination  to  explore  the  almoft 
unknown  regions  which  they  inhabited  j  and  as^  a 
preparatory  ftep  towards  the  introdudion  of  more 
polifhed  manners,  and  more  humane  fentiments,  to 
gain  a  knowledge  of  their  language,  cuftoms,  and 
principles. 

I  confefs  that  the  little  benefit  too  many  of  the 
Indian  nations  have  hitherto  received  from  their  in- 
tcrcourfe    with  thofc  who   dei^minate  thcmfelves 


mmmmmmm 


e  A  k  V  fe  R»5    fk  A  V  E  L  S. 


Hi 


Chrillians,  did  not  tend  to  encourage  my  charitable 
purpofesi  yet  as  many,  though  nor  the  generality, 
might  receive  fome  benefit  from  the  introdtiftiort 
amon^  therr.  of  the  polity  and  religion  of  the  Euro- 
peans, without  retaining  only  the  errors  or  vices  that 
from  the  depravity  and  perverfion  of  their  profeffors 
are  unhappily  attendant  on  thefc,  I  determined  t6 
prefcVere* 

Kor  could  I  flatter  myfelf  that  1  fhoiild  be  able 
to  accomplilh  alone  this  great  defigns  however,  I 
was  willing. tp  contr|bi^e  as  much  as  lay  in  my  power 
towards  it*  Iii  all  pumic  undertakings  wo'uld  every 
one  do  this,  and  furnifh  with  alacrity  his  particul?,t 
Ihare  towards  it,  what  flupendous  works  might  not 
be  completed. 

It  is  true  that  the  Indians  arc  not  tvithout  fome 
fenfe  of  religion,  and  fuch  as  proves  that  they  wor- 
Ihip  the  Great  Creator  with  a  degree  of  purity  un- 
known to  nations  who  have  greater  opportunities 
of  improvement}  but  rheir  religious  principles  arc 
far  from  being  fo  faultlels  as  defcribed  by  a  learned 
writer,  or  unmixed  with  opinions  and  ceremonies 
that  greatly  leilen  their  excellency  in  this  point.  So 
that  could  the  doctrines  of  genuine  and  vital  Chrif- 
tianity  be  introduced  among  them,  pure  and  un- 
tainted, as  it  flowed  from  the  lips  of  its  Divine  In- 
ftitutor,  it  would  certainly  tend  to  clear  away  chat 
^  fuperftitious  or  idolatrous  drofs  by  which  the  ratio- 
nality .of  their  religious  tenets  are  obfcured.  Its 
mild  and  beneficent  precepts  Mrould  like  wife  conduce 
to  foftcn  their  implacable  difpofitions,  and  to  refine 
their  favags  manners;  an  event  moft  defirablej  and 
nappy  fhall  I  efteem  myfclf,  if  this  publication  Ihall 
prove  the  means  of  pointi;>g  out  the  path. by  which 


iH 


g  A  K  V  E  |L'5    t  R  A  V  ^  t^. 


fi^lutary  inftrw^tions  m^y.  be  cor^vfsycd  to  them,  and 
the  cqqvcrfation,  though  but  of  a  fcw^  be  the  coji^ 
fequencc. 


COKCLUSIOM 


PI  T»£  JOURNAL,  &c. 


:-,rriC 


rap 


■«iP(p*#> 


-1^-...:      ...     -    ■        1 


.iSm. 


O  F     T  H  U 


ORIGIN,  MANNERS,  CUSTOMS, 
RELIGION,  AND  LANGUAGE 


tt  F      THE 


I     N     D    I    A    N    S, 


CHAPTER.      L 
Of  their  Origin, 


JL  HE  means  by  which  America  received 
its  firft  inhabitants,  have,  fince  the  time  of  its  dif- 
covery  by  the  Europeans,  been  the  fubjeft  of  num- 
berleft  difquifitions,  Was  I  to  endeavour  to  collect 
the  different  opinions  and  reafonings'  of  the  various 
writers  that  have  taken  up  the  pen  in  defence  of  their 
conjectures,  the  enumeration  would  much  exceed 
the  bounds  I  have  prefcribed  to  myfelf,  and  oblige 
me  to  be  lefs  explicit  oxk  points  of  greater  mo^ 
mcnt. 

From  the  ohfcurity  in  which  this  debate  is  enve- 
loped, through  the  total  difufe  of  letters  among  every 
nation  of  Indians  on  this  extenfive  continent,  and 
the  uncertainty  of  oral  tradition  at  the  diftance  of  fo 
many  ages,  Ifeari  thalj  even  after  the  moft  minute 
invcftigation^  we  fhall  not  be  able  to  fettle  it  with 
Txny  great  degree  of  certalntyv  And  this  apprehen- 
fio(i  will  receive  additionajl  forcc^  when  it  is  confi-* 


ii6 


C  A  R  V  E  R»5   TRAVELS. 


dered  that  the  diverfity  of  language,  which  is  appa- 
rently diftin(5l  between  mod  of"  the  Indians,  tend? 
to  alcert^iin  that  this  population  was  not  cfFedlcd  from 
one  particular  countiyj  butvfrom  feveral  nieghbour-r 
ing  ones,  and  completed  at  different  periods. 

Moft  of  the  the  hiflorians  or  travellers  that  have 
treated  on  the  American  Aborigines,  difagree  in 
their  fentimcnts  relative  to  them.  Many  of  che  an- 
cients are  fuppofed  to  have  knovvn  that  this  quarter 
pfthe  globe  not  only  exifted,  but  alfo  that  it  was  in- 
habited. Plato  in  his  Timjtus  has  affcrted,  that 
beyond  the  ifland  which  he  calls  Atalantis,  and 
Avhich,  according  to  his  defcription,  was  fituated  in 
the  Weftern  Ocean,  there  were  a  great  number  of 
other  iflands,  and  behind  thofe  a  vaft  continent. 

Oviedo,  a- celebrated  Spanilli  author  of  a  much 
later  date,  has  made  no  fcruple  to  affirm  that  the 
^^ntillcs  arp  the  fj^mous  Hefperides  io  often  menti- 
oned by  the  poets  j  which  are  at  length  reftored  tQ 
the  kings  of  Spain*  the  defceridants  of  king  Hcfpe- 
rus,  who  'ived  upwards  of  three  thoufand  years 
ago,  ?.^d  from  whom  thcfe  iflands  received  their 
names. 

Two  other  Spaniards,  the  one.  Father  Gregorio 
Garcia,  a  Dominican,  the  other.  Father  Jofeph  De 
Acofta,  a  Jefuit,  have  written  on  the  origin  of  the 
Americans. 

The  former  whp  had  been  employed  in  the  miffi- 
ons  of  Mexico  and  Peru,  endeavoured  to  prove 
from  the  traditions  of  the  Tvitxicans,  Peruvians,  and 
others,  which  he  received  en  the  fpot,  and  from  the 
variety  of  charadters,  cuftoms,  languages,  aj:id  reli- 
,«.>;icn  obfervable  in  the  different  countries  of  the  New 
World,  that  different  nations  had  contributed  to  the, 
pecpliijg  of  it. 


CARVE  R»8    TRAVELS, 


'»7 


The  latter.  Father  Dc  Acofta,  in  his  examination 
of  the  means  by  which  the  firft  Indians  of  America 
might  have  found  a  paffage  to  that  continent,  dif- 
credits  the  conclufions  of  thofc  who  have  fuppofed 
it  to  be  byfea,  becaufe  no  ancient  author  has  made 
mention  of  the  compafs :  and  concludes,  that  it  muft 
be  cither  by  the  north  of  Afia  and  Europe,  which 
adjoin  to ^ach  other,  or  by  thofe  regions  that  lie  to 
the  fc!ith^rd  of  the  Straits  of  Magellan.  He  alfo 
rejeds  the  aflrrtions  of  fuch  as  have  advanced  ihat  it 
was  peopled  by  the  Hebrews. 

John  de  Laet,  a  Flemifli  writer,  has  controverted 
the  opinions  of  thefe  Spanilh  fathers,  and  of  many 
others  who  have  written  on  the  fame  fubjeft.  The 
hypothefis  he  endeavours  to  eftablifh,  is,  that  Ame- 
rica was  certainly  peopled  by  the  Scythians  or  Tar- 
tars: and  that  the  tranfmigration  of  thefe  people 
happened  foon  after  the  difperfion  of  Noah's  grand- 
fons.  He  undertakes  to  Ihow,  that  the  moft  nor- 
thern Americans  have  a  greater  refemblance,  not 
only  in  the  features  of  their  countenances,  but  alfo 
in  their  complexion  and  manner  of  living,  to  the 
S'cythians,  Tartars,  and  Samceides,  than  to  any 
other  nations. 

In  anfwer  to  Grotius,  who  had  aflerted  that  fomc 
of  the  Norwegians  paffed  into  America  by  way  of 
Greenland,  and  over  a  vaft  continent,  he  fays,  that 
it  is  well  known  that  Greenland  was  not  difcovered 
till  the  year  964;  and  both  Gomera  and  Herrera  in- 
form us  that  the  Chichimeques  were  fettled  on  the 
Lake  of  Mexico  in  yai.  He  adds,  that  thefe  fava- 
ges,  according  to  the  uniform  tradition  of  the  Mex- 
icans who  difpoficfled  them,  came  from  the  coun- 
try fince  called  New  Mexico,  and  from  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  California;  confequently  North- Ame- 
][ica  muft  have  been  inhabited  rpany  ages  before  it 


I1« 


CARVE  R'»    TRAVEL  1 


could  receive  any  inhabitants  from  Norway  by  way 
of  Greenland, 

It  is  no  kfs  certain,  he  obfcrves,  that  t\it  real 
Mexicans  founded  thcrr  empire  in  9021,  after  having 
fubdued  the  Chichimeques,  the  Ocomias,  and  other 
barbarous  nations,  who  had  taken  pofle^Sori  of  the 
country  round  the  I^ake  of  Mexico,  and, <ach  of 
■whom  fpoke  a  langua^  pccuHar  to  thtftifelvcs. 
The  real  Mexicans  are  Hkewife  fappofcd  to  come 
from  fomc  of  the  countries  that  lie  near  California, 
and  that  they  performed  their  journey  for  the  molt 
part  by  land  j  of  courfe  they  could  not  come  from 
Norway.  .       . 

De  Naet  further  adds,  that  though  fomc  of  th« 
inhabitants  of  North-Amcricai  may  have  entered  it 
from  the  ¥^orth-weft,  yet,  as  it  is  related  by  Pliny^j 
and  fome  other  writers,  that  on  many  of  the  iflands 
near  the  wcftem  coaft  of  Africa,  particularly  on  the 
Canaries,  ibme  ancient  edifices  were  fecn,  it  is  highly 
probably  from  their  being  now  deferted,  that  the  in- 
habitants may  have  paffedovc-r  to  America;  the  paf-r 
fage  being  neither  long  nor  difficult.  This  migra- 
tion, according  to  the  calculation  of  thole  authors, 
mull  have  happened  more  than  two  thoufand  years 
ago,  at  a  time  v/hen  the  Spaniards  were  much  trou- 
bled by  the  Carthaginians  J  from  whom  having  ob- 
tained a  knowledge  of  navigation,  andthc  conlrruc- 
tion  of  fhips,  they  might  have  retired  to  the  Antil- 
les, by'  the  way  of  the  weflcm  ifleSi  which  were 
e-xaflly  halfway  on-  their  voyage^ 

He  thinks  alfb  that  Grcat^ Britain,  Ireland,  anc^ 
the  Orcades  were  extremely  proper  to  admit  of  a, 
fimilar  conjedure.  As  a  proof,  he  inserts  the  fol- 
lowing paifage  from  the  hiftory  of  Wales,  written 
by  Dr.  David  Powel,  in  the  year  1170.^ 


•mmnfff^mmmifi^ 


anc^ 

of  a, 

fol- 

itten 


C  A  R  V  E  R'f   T  R  A  Y  E  L  S,  A19 

This  hiilorian  fay^,  thit  Mddoc,  one  of  the  fbns 
of  Prince  Owen  Gwynnith,  being  difgufted  at  th« 
civil  wars  which  broke  out  between  his  brothers, 
after  the  death  of  their  father,  iitted  out  fevcral  Vef- 
fels,  and  having  provided  them  with  every  thing 
ncceffary  for  a  long  voyage,  went  in  qucft  of  new- 
lands  to  the  weflward,  of  Ireland  ,r  there  he  diico^ 
vered  very  fertile  a>antrie$>  but  de{litut«  of  irihabi-* 
tants }  when  landing  part  of  his  people,  he  returned 
to  Britain,  where  he  raiied  new  levies,  and  afcer- 
wards- traniported  them  to  his  coWny. 

The  Fliemiih  author  then  returns  to  the  Scythians^ 
between,  whom  aiod  the  Americans  be  drawn  a  pa- 
rallel.. He  observes  that  fever al  nations  of  them  to 
the  north  o€  the  Cafpian  Sea,  led:  a  wandering 
lifej  which,  as  well  as  many  other  of  their  cuf- 
toms,  and  way  of  living,  agrees  in  many  circuirt* 
fiances  with  ^he  Indians,  of  America.  And.  though 
the  nefemblances  aee  not  abfolutaly  perfe;^  yec 
the  emigcantB,  even;  beioEe  t-hey  left  theii:  owi^ 
coumry,  differed  from,  each  Ok&her,  and-  went  hoc 
by  the^me  name.  Thei^  change  o£  abode  eiF«6bed 
what  remained. 

.  He  fliKther  lays,  thac  a<  fimilar  likenefs'  exifts 
between  fevcrai  American  nations,  and  the  Samoei- 
des  who  are  fiitded,  according  to  the  Ruffian  ac- 
counts, on  the  gr^pat  Rivei;  Oby.  And  it  i^  more 
natural,  continues  he,  to  fuppofe  that  Colonies  of 
their  nations,  paffcd  ov^rtp  America  by  croffing 
the  icy  fea  on  their  *^ edges,  than  for  the  Norwegians 
to  tmveL  all'  the  vva^  Grotius^  has)  marked  out  for 
them. 

This  writer  makes  m^ny  other  remarks  that:  are 
equally  fenfiblc,  and  which  appear  ta  be  ji^ ;  buc 


129 


CARVE  R'8    TRAVELS. 


he  intermixes  wich  thefe^  fome  that  are  not  fo  well 
founded. 

Emanuel  de  Moracz,  a  Portuguc'fc,  in  this  hifto- 
ry  of  Brazil,  alTerts,  that  America  has  been  wholly 
peopled  by  the  Carthaginians  and  Ifraelites.  He 
brings  as  a  proof  of  this  alTertion,  the  difcoveries 
the  former  arc  known  to  have  made  at  a  great  dif- 
tance  beyond  the  coaft  of  Africa.  The  progrefs  of 
which  being  put  a  ftop  to  by  the.  fenate  of  Carthage, 
thofe  who  happened  to  be  them  in  the.  newly  dif- 
covered  countries,  being  cut  off  from  all  communi- 
cation with  their  countrymen,  and  deftitute  of  many 
neceflaries  of  life,  fell  into  a  ftate  of  barbarifm.  As 
to  the  Ifraelites,  this  author  thinks  that  nothins;  but 
circumcifion  is  wanted  in  order  to  conftitute  a  per- 
fect reiemblance  between  them  and  the  Brazilians. 

'  George  De  Hwron,  a  learnied  Dutchmani  has  like- 
wife  written  on  the  fubjeft.  He  fets  out  with  de- 
claring, that  he  does  not  believe  it  poffible  America 
could  have  been  peopled  before  the  flood,  confider- 
ing  the  fliort  fpace  of  time  which  elapfed  bet^veen 
the  creation  of  the  world  and  that  memorable  event. 
In  the  next  place  he  lays  it  down  as  a  principle,  that 
after  the  deluge,  men  and  other  terreftrial  animals 
penetrated  into  that  country  both  by  the  fea  and  by 
land  i  fome  through  accident,  and  fome  from  a  form- 
ed dcfign.  That  birds  got  thither  by  flight }  wh?ch 
they  were  enabled  to  do  by  reeling  on  the  rocks  and 
iflands  that  are  fcattered  about  in  the  Ocean. 

He  further  obferves^  that  wild  beafts  may  have 
found  a  free  paflage  by  land  and  that  if  we  do  not 
meet  with  horfcs  or  cattle  f  .vhich  he  might  have 
added  elephants,  camels,  rhinoceros,  and  beafts  of 
many  other  kinds)  it  is  bccaufe  thofe  nations  that 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


121 


paffed  thither,  were  either  not  acquainted  with  their 
ufe,  or  had  no  convenience  to  fupport  them. 

Having  totally  excluded  many  nations  that  others 
have  admitted  as  the  probable  firft  fettlers  of  Ame- 
rica, for  which  he  gives  fubftantiai  rcafons,  he  fup- 
pofes  tLatit  began  to  be  peopled  by  the  north  j  and 
maintains,  that  the  primitive  colonies  fprcad  them- 
felves  by  the  means  of  the  ifthmus  ofPanama  through 
the  whole  extent  of  the  continent. 

Kc  believes  that  the  firft  founders  of  the  Indian 
Colonies  were  Scythians.  That  tl^  Phoenicians 
and  Carthaginians  afterwards  got  footing  in  America 
acrofs  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  the  Chinefc  by  way 
of  the  Pacific.  And  that  other  nations  might  from 
time  to  time  have  landed  there  by  one  or  other  of 
thefe  ways,  or  might  poffibly  have  been  thrown  on 
the  coaft  by  tempefts :  fince,  through  the  whole  ck- 
tent  of  that  Continent,  both  in  its  northern  and 
fouthern  parts,  we  meet  with  undoubted  marks  of  a 
mixture  of  the  northern  nations  with  thofe  who  have 
come  from  other  places.  And  laftly,  thatfome  Jews 
and  Chriftians  might  have  been  carried  there  by  fucii 
like  events,  but  that  this  muft  have  happened  at  a 
time  when  the  whole  of  the  New  World  was  already 
peopled. 

Afttr  all,  he  acknowleges  that  great  difficulties 
attend  the  determination  of  the  queftion.  Thefe, 
he  fays,  are  occafioned  in  the  firft  place  by  the  im- 
perfed  knowledge  we  have  of  the  extremities  of  the 
globe,  towards  the  north  and  fouth  pole ;  and  in 
the  next  place  to  the  havoc  which  the  Spaniards, 
the  firft  difcoverers  of  the  New  World,  made  among 
its  moft  ancient  rtionuments;  as  witnefs  the  great 
double  road  betwix^  Quito  and  Cuzco,  an  under- 
taking fo  ftupendous,  that  even  the  moft  raagnifi- 

Q 


122 


C  A  R  V  E  I^'8    TRAVELS. 


cent  of  thofc  executed  by  the  Romans,  cannot  be 
compared  to  it. 

He  fuppoics  alfo  another  migration  of  the  Phoe- 
nicians, than  thofe  already  mentioned,  to  have  taken 
place;  and  this  was  during  a  three  years  voyage 
made  by  the  Tyrian  fleet  in  the  fervicc  of  King  So- 
lomon. He  aflcrts  on  the  authority  of  Jofephus, 
that  the  port  at  which  this  embarkation  was  made, 
lay  in  the  Mediterranean.  The  fleet,  he  adds,  went 
in  queft  of  elephants*  teeth  and  peacocks,  to  the 
weftern  Goaft  of  Africa,  which  is  Tarfhifhj  then  to 
Ophir  for  gold,  which  is  Haite,  or  the  ifland  of 
Hifpaniolaj  and  in  the  latter  opinion  he  is  fupported 
by  Columbus,  who,  when  he  difcovered  that  ifland, 
thought  he  could  trace  the  furnaces  in  which  the  gold 
was  refined*  111 

To  thefe  migrations  which  preceded  the  Chrif- 
tian  asra,  he  adds  many  others  of  a  later  date,  from 
difl^erent  nations,  but  thefe  I  have  not  time  to  enu- 
merate. For  the  fame  reafon  I  am  obliged  to  pafs 
over  numberlefs  writers  on  this  fubjeft;  and  fh all 
content  myfelf  with  only  giving  the  Tentiments  of 
two  or  three  more* 

The  firfl:  of  thefe  is  Pierre  De  Charlevoix,  a 
Frenchman,  who,  in  his  journal  of  a  voyage  to 
North-America,  made  Co  lately  as  the  year  1720, 
has  recapitulated  the  opinion  of  a  variety  of  authors 
on  this  head,  to  which  he  has  fubjoined  his  own  con- 
jedures.  But  the  latter  cannot  without  fome  diffi- 
culty be  extracted,  as  they  arc  fo  interwoven  with 
the  pafTagcs  he  has  quoted,  that  it  requires  much  at- 
tention to  difcriminate  them. 

He  feems  to  allow  that  America  might  have  rcr 
ccivcd  its  firfl  inhabitants  from  Tartary  and  Hyrca- 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


I2J 


nia.  This  he  confirms,  by  obfcrving  that  the  lioni 
and  tigers  whicli  are  found  in  the  former,  miiit 
have  come  from  thofe  countries,  and  whofc  paflages 
fcrves  for  a  proof  that  the  two  hcmifpheres  join  to 
jhe  northward  of  Afia.  He  then  draws  a  corro- 
boration of  this  argument,  from  a  ftory  he  fays  he 
has  often  heard  related  by  Father  Grollon,  a  Frencli 
Jcfuit,  as   an  undoubted  matter  of  fad. 

This  father  after  having  laboured  fome  time  in 
the  miflfions  of  New  France,  pafTed  over  to  thofe  of 
China.  One  day  as  he  was  travelling  in  Tartary, 
he  met  a  Huron  woman  whom  he  had  formerly 
known  in  Canada.  He  alked  her  by  what  adven- 
ture Ihe  had  been  carried  into  a  country  fo  diftant 
from  her  own.  She  made  anfwer,  that  having  been 
taken  in  war,  (he  had  been  conduced  from  nation  to 
nation,  till  lljc  had  reached  the  place  at  which  lli^ 
then  was, 

Monfieur  Charlevoix  fays  further,  that  he  had 
been  affured  another  Jcfuit,  palling  through  Nantz, 
in  his  return  from  China,  had  related  much  fuch 
another  affair  of  a  Spanifti  woman  from  Florida, 
She  alfo  had  been  taken  by  certain  Indians,  and 
given  to  thofe  of  a  more  diftant  country;  a4id  by 
thefe  again  to  another  nation,  till  having  thus  been 
lucceflively  paflcd  from  country  to  country,  and  tra- 
velled through  regions  extremely  cold,  fhe  at  laft 
found  herfelt  in  Tartary.  Here  Ihe  had  married  a 
Tartar,  who  had  attended  the  conquerors  in  China, 
where  fhc  was  thpn  fettled. 

He  acknowledges  as  an  allay  to  the  probability 
of  thefe  ftories,  that  thofe  who  had  failed  fartheft 
to  the  caftward  of  Afia,  by  purfuing  the  coaft  of 
Jcflb  or  Kamfchatka,  h^vc  pretended  that  they  h^i 


"♦ 


CARVE  il's    TRAVELS. 


perceived  the  extremity  of  this  continent  •,  and  from 
thence  have  concluded  that  there  could  not  poffibly 
be  any  communication  by  land.  But  he  adds  that 
Francis  Guella,  a  Spaniard,  is  faid  to  have  aflcrted, 
that  this  reparation  is  no  more  than  a  llrait,  about 
one  hundred  miles  over,  and  thac  fome  late  voyages 
of  the  Japanefe  give  ground  to  think  that  this  ftrait 
is  only  a  bay,  above  which  there  is  paflagc  over 
land. 

He  goes  on  to  obfcrve,  that  though  there  are 
few  wild  beads  to  be  met  with  in  North-America, 
except  a  kind  of  tigers  without  fpots,  which  are 
found  in  the  country  of  the  Iroquoife,  yet  towards 
the  tropics  there  arc  lions  and  real  tigers,  which, 
notwithltanding,  might  have  come  from  Hyrcania 
and  Tartary  i  for  as  by  advancing  gradually  fouth- 
ward  they  met  with  climates  more  agreeable  to  their 
natures,  they  have  in  time  abandoned  the  northern 
countries. 

He  quotes  both  Solinus  and  Pliny  to  prove  that 
the  Scythian  Anthropophagi  once  depopulated  a 
great  extent  of  country,  as  far  as  the  promontory 
Tabinj  and  alfo  an  author  of  later  date,  Mark  Pol, 
a  Venetian,  whoj  he  fays,  tells  us,  that  to  the  north- 
caft  of  China  and  Tartary  there  are  vaft  uninhabited 
countries,  which  might  be  fufRcient  to  confirm  any 
conje6tures  concerning  the  retreatof  a  great  number 
of  Scythians  into  America. 

To  this  he  adds,  that  we  find  in  the  ancients  the 
names  of  fome  of  thefe  nations.  Pliny  fpeaks  of 
the  Tabiansj  Solinus  mentions  the  Apuleans,  who 
had  for  neighbours  the  Maflagetes,  whom  Pliny 
fmce  affures  us  to  have  entirely  difappeared.  Am- 
mianus  Marcellinus  exprefsly  tells  us,  that  the  fear 
of  the  Anthropophagi  obliged  fevcral  of  the  inhabi- 


CARVER 


TRAVELS. 


«»S 


tants  of  thofc  countries  to  take  refuge  clfewhcre. 
From  all  thefc  authorities  Monfieur  Charlevoix  con- 
cludes, that  there  is  at  lealb  room  to  conjecture  that 
more  than  one  nation  in  America  had  the  Scythian 
or  Tartarian  original. 

He  finillics  his  remarks  on  the  authors  he  has 
quoted,  by  the  following  obfervations  :  It  appears  to 
me  that  this  controverly  may  be  reduced  to  the 
two  foUo'vnng  articles  -,  firft,  how  the  new  world 
might  have  been  peopled  j  and  fccondly,  by  whom, 
and  by  what  means  it  has  been  peopled. 

Nothing,  he  alfcrts,  may  be  more  cafily  anfwcred 
than  the  firft.  America  might  have  been  peopled 
as  the  three  other  parts  of  the  world  have  been. 
Many  difficulties  have  been  formed  on  this  fubjedV, 
which  have  been  deemed  infolvable,  but  which  arc 
far  from  being  fo.  Th  *  inhabitants  of  both  hemif- 
phe res  are  certainly  the  defcendants  of  the  fame  fa- 
ther }  the  common  parent  of  mankind  received  an 
cxprefs  command  from  Heaven  to  people  the  whole 
world,  and  accordingly  it  has  been  peopled. 

To  bring  this  about  it  was  neccflary  to  overcome 
all  difficulties  that  lay  in  the  way,  and  they  have 
been  got  over.  VV^ere  thefc  difficulties  greater  with 
refpeft  to  peopling  the  extremities  of  Afia,  Africa, 
and  Europe,  or  the  tranfporting  men  into  the  iflands 
which  lie  at  confiderable  diftance  from  thofe  con- 
tinents, than  to  pafs  over  into  America?  certainly  not. 

Navigation,  which  has  arrived  at  fo  great  per- 
feftion  within  thefc  three  or  four  centuries,  might  • 
poffibly  have  been  more  perfect  in  thofc  early  ages 
than  at  this  day.  Who  can  believe  that  Noah  and 
I'i  immediate  defcendajits  knew  Icfs  of  this  art  than 
wr  do  ?  That  the  builder  and  pilot  of  the  largeft  (hip 


126 


CARVER'S    TRAVEL  S. 


that  ever  was,  a  fliip  that  was  formed  to  travcrfc 
an  unbounded  ocean,  ^nd  had  fo  many  fhoals  and 
quick-fands  to  guard  againft,  Ihould  be  ignorant  of, 
or  Ihould  not  have  commuicated  to  thofe  of  his  de- 
fcendantswho  furvivcd  him,  and  by  whofc  means  he 
was  to  execute  the  order  of  the  Great  Creator  j  I  fay, 
who  can  believe  he  fliould  not  have  communicated 
to  them  the  art  of  failing  upon  an  ocean,  which  was 
notonly  more  calm  and  pacific,  but  at  the  fame  time 
confined  within  its  ancient  limits  ? 

Admitting  this,  how  eafy  is  it  to  pafs,  cxclufive 
of  the  paflfage  iilready  defcribed,  by  land  from  the 
coaft  of  Africa  to  Brazil,  from  the  Canaries  to  the 
Weftern  Iflands,  and  from  them  to  the  Antilles  ? 
From  the  Britifli  Ifles  or  the  coaft  of  France,  ^i 
Newfoundland,  the  paflage  i"  neither  long  nor  diffi- 
cult i  I  might  fay  as  much  of  that  from  China  to 
Japan  j  from  Japan,  or  the  Philippines,  to  the  liles 
Mariannes  j  and  from  thence   to  Mexico, 

There  are  iHands  at  a  con(ider?.ble  diftance  from 
the  continent  of  Afia,  where  we  have  not  been  fur- 
prifed  to  find  inhabitants,  why  then  fhould  we  won- 
der to  meet  with  people  in  America  !  Nor  can  it 
be  imagined  that  the  grandfons  of  Noah,  when  they 
were  obliged  to  feparate,  and  fpread  themfelves  in 
conformity  to  the  defigns  of  God,  over  the  whole, 
earth,  ihould  find  it  abfolutely  impoffible  to  people 
slmoft  one  half  of  it. 

I  have  been  more  copious  in  my  cxtradbs  from  this 
author  than  I  intended,  as  his  reafons  appears  to  be 
folid,  and  many  of  his  obfervations  juft.  From  this 
encomium,  however,  I  muft  exclude  the  ftories  he 
has  introduced  of  the  Huron  and  Floridan  women, 
which  I  think  I  might  venture  to  pronounce 
fabulous, 


carver's  travels. 


,127 


I  fhall  only  add,  to  give  my  readers  a  more  com- 
prehc;lfive  view  of  Monfieur  Charlevoix's  diffcr- 
tation,  the  method  he  propofes  to  come  at  the  truth 
of  what  we  are  in  feach  of. 

The  only  means  by  which  this  can  be  done,  he 
fays  is  by  comparing  the  language  01  the  Ameri- 
cans with  the  different  nations,  from  whence  wc 
might  fuppofe  they  have  peregrinated.  If  we  com- 
pare the  former  with  thofe  words  that  are  confidcred 
as  primitives,  it  might  poffibly  fet  us  upon  fomc 
happy  difcovery.  And  this  way  of  afcending  to  the 
original  of  nations,  which  is  by  far  the  lead  equivo- 
cal, is  not  fo  difficult  as  might  be  imagined,  Wc 
have  had,  and  ftill  have,  travellers  and  miffionaries 
who  have  attained  the  languages  that  are  fpoken  in 
all  the  provinces  of  the  new  world  j  it  would  only 
be  neccflary  to  make  a  colledion  of  their  grammars 
and  vocabularies,  and  to  collate  them  with  the  dead 
and  living  languages  of  the  old  world,  that  pafs  for 
originals,  and  the  fimilarity  might  eafiiy  be  traced. 
Even  the  different  dialefts,  in  fpite  of  the  alterations 
they  have  undergone,  ftill  retain  enough  of  the 
mother  tongue  to  furrtifh  confiderablc  lights. 

Any  enquiry  into  the  manners,  cuftoms,  religion,  or 
traditions  of  the  Americans,  in  order  to  difcover  by 
that  means  their  cigin,  he  thinks  would  prove  fal- 
lacious. A  difquifition  of  that  kind,  he  obferves,  is 
only  capable  of  producing  a  falfe  light,  more  likely 
to  dazzle,  and  to  make  us  wander  from  the  right 
path,  than  to  lead  us  with  certainty  to  the  point 
propofcd. 


Andient  traditions  are  ecraced  from  the  minds  of 
fuch  as  either  have  not,  or  for  feveral  ages  have 
been  without  thofe  helps  that  arc  necefTary  to  pre- 
ferve  them.     And  in  this  fitu;ition  is  full  one  half  of 


128 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


the  world.  New  events,  and  a  new  arrangement 
of  things,  give  rife  to  new  traditions,  which  efface 
the  former,  and  are  themfelves  effaced  in  turn.  Af- 
ter one  or  two  centuries  have  paffed,  there  no 
longer  remains  any  traces  of  the  firft  traditions  j  and 
thus  we  are  involved  in  a  ftate  of  uncertainty. 

He  concludes  with  the  following  remarks,  among 
many  others.  Unforefeen  accidents,  tempefts,  and 
lhipwrecks,have  certainly  contributed  to  people  every 
habitable  part  of  the  world  :  and  ought  we  to  won- 
der after  this,  at  perceiving  certain  rcfemblances, 
both  ofpcrfonsand  manners  between  nations  that  arc 
moft  remote  from  each  other,  when  we  find  fuch  a 
difference  between  thofc  that  border  on  one  another  ? 
As  we  are  deftitute  of  hiftorical  monur^ents,  there  is 
nothing,  I  repeat  it,  but  a  knowledge  .  *'  the  primitive 
languages  that  is  capable  of  throwing  any  light 
upon  thefe  clouds  of  impenetrable  darknefs. 

-  By  this  enquiry  we  fhould  at  leaft  be  fatisfied, 
among  that  prodigious  number  of  various  nations 
inhabiting  America,  and  differing  fo  much  in  lan- 
guages from  each  othc,  '  /hich  are  thofe  who  make 
ufe  of  words  totally  and  entirely  different  from  thofe 
of  the  old  world,  and  who  confequently  muft  be 
reckoned  to  have  paffed  over  to  America  in  the 
carlieft  ages,  and  thofe  who  from  the  analogy  of 
their  language  with  fuch  as  are  at  prefent  ufed  in  the 
three  other  parts  of  the  globe,  leave  room  to  judge 
that  their  migration  has  been  more  recent,  and  which 
ought  to  be  attributed  to  Ihipwrccks,  or  to  fome  ac 
cident  fimilar  to  thofc  which  have  been  Ipoken  of  in 
the  courfe  of  this  treatife. 

I  Ihallonly  add  the  opinion  of  one  author  more, 
before  I  give  my  own  fenthncnts  onthefubjc<5t,and 
that  is  of  James  Adair,Efq.  who  rcfidcd  forty  years 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


129 


among  the  Indians,  and  publifhed  the  hiftory  of 
them  in  the  year  1772.  In  his  learned  and  iyftema- 
tical  hiilory  of  thofe  nations,  inhabiting  the  wcftern 
parts  of  the  moft  fouthern  of  the  American  colo- 
nies; this  gentleman  without  hefitation  pronoun- 
ces that  the  American  Aborigines  are  defcendcd 
from  the  Ifraelitcs,  ,°ithcr  whilft  they  were  a  ma- 
ritime power,  or  Iboh  after  their  general  capti-; 
vity. 

This  defcent  he  endeavours  to  prove  from  their 
religious  rites,  their  civil  and  martial  cuftoms,  their 
marriages,  their  funeral  ceremonies,  their  manners, 
language,  traditions,  and  from  a  variety  of  other 
particulars.  And  fo  complete  is  his  conyi6tion  on 
this  head,  that  he  fancies  he  finds  a  perfe<5t  and 
indifputable  fimilitude  in  each.  Through  all  thcfc 
I  have  not  time  to  follow  him,  and  fhall  therefore 
only  give  a  few  cxtrafts  to  ihow  on  what  foundation 
he  builds  his  conjedures,  and  what  degree  of  credit 
he  is  entitled  to  on  this  point. 

He  begins  with  obferving,  that  though  fome  have 
fuppofed  the  Americans  to  be  defcended  from  the 
Chinefe,  _  yet  neither  their  religion,  laws,  nor  cuf- 
toms agree  in  the  leaft:  vi'ith  thofe  of  the  Chinefe  j 
which  fufficiently  proves  that  they  arc  not  of  this 
line.  Befides,  as  our  beft  fhips  are  now  almoft  half 
a  year  in  failing  for  China  (our  author  does  not  here 
recolle«5l  that  this  is  from  a  high  northern  latitude, 
acrofs  the  Line,  and  then  back  again  greatly  to  the 
northward  of  it,  and  not  diredly  athwart  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  for  only  one  hundred  and  eleven  degrees) 
or  from  thence  to  Europe,  it  is  very  unlikely  they 
fhould  attempt  fuch  dangerous  difcoveries,  with 
their  fuppofed  fmall  veflels,  againlt  rapid  currents, 
and  in  dark  aad  fickly  Monfoons. 


«>. 


R 


t 


I^O 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


Kc  further  remarks,  that  this  is  more  particularly 
improbable,  as  there  is  reafon  to  believe  that  this 
nation  was  unacquainted  with  the  ufc  of  the  loadftonc 
10  dire(5t  their  courlc. 

Chini,  he  lays,  is  about  eight  thoufand  miles  dif- 
tant  from  the  American  continent,  which  is  twice  as 
far  as  acrofs  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  And  wc  arc  not 
informed  by  any  ancient  writer  of  their  maritime 
Ikill,  or  fo  much  as  any  inclination  that  way,  befides 
fmall  coafting  voyages.  The  winds  blow  likcwife, 
■with  little  variation  from  caft  to  weft  within  the  la- 
titudes thirty  and  odd>  north  and  fouth,  and  there- 
fore thefe  could  not  drive  them  on  the  American 
coaft,  it  lying  diredly  contrary  to  fuch.a  courfc. 

Neither  could  perfons,  according  to  this  writer's 
account,  fail  to  America  from  the  north  by  the  way 
of  Tartary  or  Ancient  Scythia  :  that,  from  its  fitua- 
tion,  never  having  been  or  can  be  a  maritime  power  j 
and  it  is  utterly  imprafticable,  he  fays,  for  any  to 
come  to  America  by  fca  from  that  quarter.  Belides, 
the  remaining  traces  of  their  religious  ceremonies, 
and  civil  and  martial  cuftoms,  are  quite  oppofite  to 
the  like  vcftiges  of  the  Old  Scythians. 

Even  in  the  moderate  northern  climates  there  is 
hot  to  be  fccn  the  leaft  trace  of  any  ancient  ftately 
buildings,  or  of  any  thick  fcttlements,  as  are  faid 
to  remain  in  the  lefs  healthy  regions  of  Peru  and 
Mexico.  And  feveral  of  the  Indian  nations  affure  us, 
that  they  croifed  the  Miflifilppi  before  they  made 
their  prefent  northern  fcttlements  :  which,  con- 
ne6tcd  with  the  former  arguments,  he  concludes  will 
fufficiently  explode  that  weak  opinion  of  the  Ameri- 
can Aborigines  being  lineally  defcendcd  from  the 
Tartars  or  ancient  Scythians. 


m 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


Jfji 


Mr.  Adair's  rcafons  for  fuppofing  that  the  Ameri- 
cans derive  their  origin  from  the  Jews  are, 

Firft,  becaufe  they  are  divided  into  tribes,  and 
chiefs  over  them  as  the  Ifraelites  had. 

Secondly,  becaufe,  as  by  a  ftridt,  permanent,  di- 
vine precept,  the  Hebrew  nation  were  ordered  to 
worfhip,  at  Jerufalem,  Jehovah  the  true  and  living 
God,  fo  do  the  Indians  lliiino;  him  Yohcwah.  The 
ancient  Heathens,  he  adds,  it  is  well  known,  wor- 
ihipped  a  plurality  of  gods,  but  the  Indians  pay 
their  religious  devoirs  to  the  Great,  beneficient,  fu- 
preme,  holy  Spirit  of  Fire,  who  refides,  as  they  think, 
above  the  clouds,  and  on  earth  alfo  with  unpolluted 
people.  They  pay  no  adoration  to  images,  or  to 
dead  perfons,  neither  to  the  celeflial  luminaries,  to 
evil  fpirits,  nor  to  any  created  beings  whatever. 

Thirdly,  becaufe,  agreeable  to  the  theocracy  or 
divine  government  of  Ifrael,  the  Indians  think  the 
Deity  to  be  the  immediate  head  of  their  ftatc. 

Fourthly,  becaufe,  as  the  Jews  believe  in  the 
miniftration  of  angels,  the  Indians  alfo  believe  that 
the  higher  regions  are  inhabited  by  good  fpirits. 

Fifthly,  becaufe,  the  Indian  language  and  di|,k(5ls 
appear  to  have  the  very  idoms  and  genius  of  the 
Hebrew.  Their  words  and  fentences  being  cx- 
prefljve,  concife,  emphatical,  fonorous,  and  bold  ; 
and  often,  both  in  letters,  and  fignifications,  arc 
fynonymous  with  the  Hebrew  language. 

Sixthly,  becaufe,  they  count  their  time  after  the 
manner  of  the  Hebrews, 

Sevenrly,  becaufe  in  conformity  to,  or  after  the 


>3« 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


manner  of  the  Jews,  they  hav  th'eirprophcts,high- 
prielts,  and  other  religious  orders. 

Eighthly,  becaufe  their  feflivals,  fafls,  and  reli- 
gious rites  have  a  great  refcniblancc  to  thole  of  the 
Hebrews, 

Ninthly,  becaufe  the  Indians,  before  they  go  to 
war,  have  many  preparatory  ceremonies  of  purifi- 
catiou  and  fading,  like  whac  is  recorded  of  the  If- 
raelites. 

Tcnthly,  becaufe  the  fame  tAixe  for  ornaments, 
and  the  fame  kind,  are  made  ufe  of  by  the  Indians, 
as  by  the  Hcbre\vs. 

Thefe  and  many  other  arguments  of  a  fimilar  na- 
ture, Mr.  Adair,  brings  in  fupp(rrt  of  his  favourite 
fyftemibuilfliouldimagine,that  if  the  Indians  are  real- 
ly derived  from  the  Hebrews,  among  their  religious 
ceremonies,  on  which  he  chiefly  feems  to  build  his 
hypothcfis,  the  principal,  that  of  circumcifion,  would 
never  have  been  laid  afide,  and  its  very  remem- 
brance obliterated. 

Thus  numerous  and  diverfe  are  the  opir^ions  of 
thofc  who  have  hitherto  written  on  the  fubje6l  !  I 
jhail^ot  however,  either  endeavour  to  reconcile, 
them,  or  to  point  out  the  errors  of  each,  but  proceed 
to  give  my  own  fcntiments  on  the  origin  of  the 
Americans  i  which  are  founded  on  conclusions  drawn 
from  the  mod  rational  arc;uments  of  the  writers  I 
have  mentioned,  and  from  my  own  obfervations  ;  the 
confiftency  of  diefe  I  fliail  leave  to  the  judgement  of 
jjiy  readers. 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


nr 


The  better  to  introduce  my  conjc6lures  on  this 
head,  it  is  neccffary  firft  to  afccr rain  the  diftanccs 
between  America  and  tKofe  parts  ot  the  habitable 
globe  that  approach  neareft  to  it. 

The  Continent  of  Amrrica,  as  far  as  we  can  judge 
from  all  the  refearches  that  have  been  made  near  the 
poles,  appears  to  be  entirely  fcparated  from  the 
other  quarters  of  the  world.  That  part  of  Europe 
which  approaches  neareft  to  it,  is  the  coaft  of  Green- 
land, lying  in  about  feventy  degrees  of  north  lati- 
tude ;  and  which  reaches  within  twelve  degrees  of 
the  coaft  of  Labrador,  fituated  on  the  north-eaft  bor- 
ders of  this  continent.  The  coaft  of  Guinea  is  the 
neareft  part  of  Africa  j  which  lies  abojut  eighteen 
hundred  and  fixty  miles  north-eaft  from  the  Brazils. 
The  moft  eaftern  coaft  of  Afia  which  extends  to 
the  Korean  Sea  onthenorthofChina  projeftj  north- 
eaft  through  eaftern  Tartaryand  Kamfchatka  to  Si- 
beria, in  about  fixty  degrees  of  north  latitude.  To- 
wards which  the  weftern  coafts  of  America,  from 
California  to  the  Straits  of  Annian,  extend  nearly 
north-weft,  and  lie  in  about  forty-fix  degrees  of  the 
fame  latitude. 

Whether  the  Continent  of  America  ftretches  any 
farther  north  than  thefeftraits,  and  joins  to  the  ea,f- 
tcrn  parts  of  Afia,  agreeable  to  what  has  been  aflfert- 
ed  by  feme  of  the  writers  I  have  quoted,  or  whether 
the  lands  that  have  been  difcoveredin  the  interme- 
diate parts  are  only  an  archipelago  of  iflands,  vergi  \g 
towards  the  oppofite  continent,  is  not  yet  afcer- 
tained. 

It  being,  however,  certain  that  there  arc  many 
confiderable  iflands  which  lie  between  the  extremities 
of  Afia  and  America,  viz.  Japan  JeflTo  or  Jedfo, 
G Nina's  Land,  Behring's  Ifle,  with  many  others  d\(^ 


»34 


CARVE  R'3    TRAVELS. 


1^* 


covered  by  Tfchirikow,  and  bcfides  thefe,  from 
fifty  degrees  north  there  appearing  to  bt  a  clufttr  of 
iflands  0ac  reach  as  far  as  Siberia^  it  is  probable 
from  their  proximity  to  America,  that  it  received  its 
firil  inhabitants  from  them. 

This  conclufion  is  the  mbft  rational  I  an?  able  to 
draw,  fuppofing  that  fmcc  the  Aborigines  got  foot- 
ing on  this  continent,  no  extraordinary  or  fudden 
ciiangc  in  the  pofition  or  furfacc  of  it  has  taken 
place,  from  inundations,  earthquakes,  or  any  re- 
volutions of  the  earth  that  we  are  at  prcfent  unac- 
quainted with. 

To  me  it  appears  highly  improbable  that  it  fhould 
have  been  peopled  from  different  quarters,  acrofs 
the  Ocean,  as  others  have  alferted.  From  the 
fizc  of  the  fhips  made  uic  of  in  thofe  early  ages, 
and  the  want  of  the  compafs,  it  cannot  be  fuppofed 
that  any  maritime  nation  would  by  choice  venture 
over  the  unfathomable  ocean,  in  fearch  of  diftant 
continents.  Had  this  however  been  attempted,  or 
had  America  been  firft  accidentally  peopled  from 
ihips  freighted  with  paffengers  ofbothfexes,  which 
were  driven  by  llrong  eafterly  winds  acrofs  the  At- 
lantic, thefe  fettlers  muft  have  re<-:iined  fome  traces 
of  the  language  of  the  country  from  whence  they 
migrated,  and  this  iince  the  difcovery  of  it  by  thJe 
Europeans  muft  have  been  made  out.  It  alfo  appears 
extra^ordinary  that  feveral  of  thefe  accidental  migra- 
tions, as  allowed  by  fome,  and  thefe  from  different 
parts,  fhould  have  taken  plaee. 

Upon  the  whole,'  after  the  moft  critical  enqui- 
ries, and  the  maturcft  deliberation,  1  am  of  opinion, 
that  America  received  its  firft  inhabitants  from  the 
north -eaf?-,  by  way  of  the  great  archipelago  juft 
n>cntioned,   and  from  thefe  alone.     But  this  might 


carver's  travels. 


m 


CRighc 


have  been  cffc6bcd  at  diffiircnt  times,  and  from 
various  parts:  from  Tartary,  China,  Japan,  or 
Kamfchatka,  the  inhabitants  of  thefe  places  re- 
fembhng  each  other  in  colour,  features,  and  (hapcj 
and  who,  before  fome  of  them  acquired  a  know- 
ledge of  the  arts  and  fciences,  might  have  likewift 
refembled  each  other  in  their  manners,  cuiloms, 
religion,  and  language. 

The  only  difference  between  the  Chincfe  nation 
and  the  Tartars  lies  in  the  cultivated  ftate  of  the 
one,  and  the  unpoliflicd  fituation  of  the  others.  The 
former  have  become  a  commercial  people,  and 
dwell  in  houfes  formed  into  regular  towns  and  cities  j 
the  latter  live  chiefly  in  tents,  and  rove  about  in 
different  hordes,  without  any  fixed  abode.  Nor  can 
the  long  and  bloody  wars  thefe  two  riatiolis  have 
been  engaged  in,  exterminate  their  hereditary  fimi- 
litude.  The  prefent  family  of  the  Chinefe  emperors 
is  of  Tartarian  extradftionj  and  if  they  were  notfenfi- 
ble  of  fome  claim  befide  that  of  conqueft,  fo  nume- 
rous a  people  would  fcarcely  fit  quiet  under  the 
dominion  of  flrangef^. 

It  is  very  evident  that  fome  of  the  manners  and 
cuftoms  of  the  American  Indians  refemble  thofe  of 
the  Tartars;  and  I  make  no  doubt  but  that  in  fome 
future  aei*a,  and  this  is  not  a  very  difVant  one,  it  will 
be  reduced  to  a  certainty,  that  during  f^Drne  of  the 
wars  between  the  Tartars  and  the  Chinefe,  a  part  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  provinces  were  driven 
from  their  native  country,  and  took  refuge  in  fome 
of  the  ifles  before- mentioned,  and  from  thence 
found  rheir  way  into  America.*  At  different  periods 
each  nation  might  prove  viftorious,  and  the  con- 
quered by  turns  fly  before  their  conquerors;  and 
from  hence  might  rife  the  iimilitude  of  the  Indieas 


Ij6 


CARVER'S    TRAVKLS. 


•ii^ 


to  all  thclc  people,  and  that  animofity  which  cxifts 
between  fo  many  of  their  tribes. 

It  appears  plilnly  to  me  that  a  great  fimilarity  be- 
tween the  Indians  and  Chincfc  is  confpicuous  in  that 
particular  cuftom  of  (having  or  plucking  off  the 
hair,  and  leaving  only  a  fmall  turf  on  the  crown  of 
the  head,  This  mode  is  faid  to  have  been  enjoined 
by  the  Tartarian  emperors  on  their  acceflion  to  the 
throne  of  China,  and  confequently  is  a  farther  proof 
that  this  cuftom  was  in  the  ufe  among  th«  Tartars ; 
to  whom  as  well  as  the  Chinefc,  the  Americans  might 
be  indebted  for  it. 

Many  words  alfo  are  ui'ed  both  by  the  Chincfe 
a'-.d  Indians,  which  have  a  rcfemblance  to  each  other, 
not  pniy  in  their  found,  but  their  fignification.  The 
Chinefe  call  a  flave,  fhungoj  and  the  Naudoweffie 
Indians,  whofe  language,  from  their  little  intcr- 
courfc  with  the  Europeans,  is  the  le?.ft  corrupted, 
term  a  dog,  Ihungnfh/  Th»j  former  denominate 
one  fpecies  of  the'r  tea,  /houfong}  the  latter  call 
their  tobacco,  fhoufaflau.  Many  other  of  the  words 
ufed  by  the  Indians  contain  the  fyllables  che^  cnaw, 
and  chui  after  the  dialedt  of  the  Chinefe. 

There  probably  might  be  found  a  fimilar  connec- 
tion between  the  language  of  the  Tartars  and  the 
American  Aborigines,  were  we  as  well  acquainted 
with  it  as  we  arc,  from  a  commercial  intercourfe, 
with  that  of  the  Chinefe. 

I  am  confirmed  in  tLefe  conjectures,  by  the  ac- 
counts of  Kamfchac!;*,  publilhed  a  few  years  ago 
by  order  of  the  Emprefs  of  Ruflia.  The  author  of 
which  faysj  that  the  fca  which  divides  that  peninfula 
from  America  is  full  of  iflands :  and  that  the  diftance 
between  Tfchukotlkoi-Nofs,  a  promontory  which 


CARVER 's    TRAVELS. 


«37 


exids 


lies  at  the  eaftcrn  extremity  of  that  qountry,  and  the 
coaft  of  America,  is  not  more  than  two  degrees  and 
a  half  of  a  great  circle.     He  further  fays,  that  there 
is  the  greateft  reafon  to  fuppofc  that  Afia  and  Ame- 
rica once  joined  at  this  place,  as  the  coafls  of  both 
continents  appear  to  have  been  broken  into  rapes 
and  bays,  which  anfwer  each  others  more  efpcci- 
ally  as   the  inhabitants  of  this  part  of  both  refem- 
ble  each  other  in  their  perfons,   habits,  cuftoms, 
and  food.     Their  language,    indeed,  he  obferves, 
tioes  not  appear  to  be  the  fame,  but  then  the  inha- 
bitants of  each  diftrifl:  in  Kamfchatka  fpeak  a  lan- 
guage  as   different  from  each  other,  <  s  from  that 
fpoken  on  the  oppofite  coaft.     Thefc  obfcrvations, 
to  Y/hich  he  adds,  the  fimiliarity  of  the  boats  of  the 
inhabitants  of  each  coaft,  and  a  remark  that  the  na-, 
tives  of  this  part  of  America  are  wholly  ftrangers  to 
wine  and  tobacco,  which  he  looks  upon  as  a  proof 
that  they  have  as  yet  had  no  communication  with  the 
natives  of  Europe,  he  fays,  amount  to  little  Icfs  than 
a  demooftration  that  America  was  peopled  from  this 
part  of  Afia. 

The  limits  of  my  prefent  undertaking  will  not 
permit  me  to  dwell  any  lohger  on  this  fubjcdt,  or  to 
cnuqierate  any  other  proofs  in  favour  of  my  hypo- 
thefis.  I  am,  however,  fo  thoroughly  convinced 
of  the  certainty  of  it,  and  fo  dcfirous  have  I  been  to 
obtain  every  teftimony  which  can  be  procured  in  its 
fupport,  that  I  once  made  an  offer  to  a  private  fo- 
ciety  of  gentlemen,  who  Were  curious  in  fuch  re- 
fearches,  and  to  whom  I  had  communicated  my  fen- 
timents  on  this  point,  that  I  would  undertake  a  jour- 
ney, on  receiving  fuch  fupplies  as  were  needful, 
through  the  north-eaft  part  of  Europe  and  Afia  to 
the  interior  parts  of  Americ^^  and  from  thence  to 
England;  making,  as  I  proceeded,  fuch  obfcrva- 


«3« 


C  A  ft  V  E  R's    T  ft  A  V  E  L  S. 


tions  both  on  the  languages  and  manners  of  the  people 
with  whom  I  fhould  be  converfant,  as  might  tend  to 
illuftrate  the  dodtrine  I  have  here  laid  down,  and  to 
fiitisfy  the  curiofity  of  the  learned  or  inquifitive  j 
but  as  this  propofal  was  judged  rather  to  require  a 
national  than  a  private  lupport,  it  was  not  carried 
into  execution. 


1  am  happy  to  find,  fince  I  formed  the  foregoing 
tonclufions,  that  they  correfpond  with  the  fenti- 
tnents  of  that  great  and  learned  hiftorian,  doiftor 
Robertfonj  and  though  with  him,  I  acknowledge 
that  the  inveftigation,  from  its  nature,  is  fo  obfcure 
and  intricate,  that  the  conjectures  I  have  made  can 
tonly  be  confidcred  as  conjectures,  and  not  indifpu* 
table  conclufions,  yet  they  carry  with  them  a  grea- 
ter degree  of  probability  than  the  fuppolitions  of 
thofe  who  affcrt  that  this  continent  was  peopled  from 
another  quarter. 

One  of  the  Doft or *s  quotations  from  the  Jour- 
nals of  Behring  and  Tfchirikow,  who  failed  from 
Kamfchatka,  about  the  year  1741,  inqueftofthe 
New  World,  appears  to  carry  great  weight  with  it, 
and  to  afford  our  conclufions  firmfupport:  "  Thefe 
commanders  having  Ihaped  their  courfe  towards 
theeafl,  difcovercd  land,  which  to  them  appeared 
to  be  part  of  the  American  continents  and  ac- 
cording to  their  obfervations,  it  fcems  to  be  fitu 
ated  withiir  a  few  degrees  of  the  north- weft  coail 
of  California.-  They  had  there  fome  intercourfe 
with  the  inhabitants,  who  feemed  to  them  to  re- 
femble  the  North-Ameriv':ans>  as  they  prefented 
to  the  P'jflians  th€  Calumet  or  Pipe  of  Peace, 
which  is  a  fymbol  o{  friendfhip  univerfal  among 
the  people  of  North- America,  and  an  ufage  of 
arbitrary  inflitutioft  peculiar  to  them.** 


(( 


cc 
it 
i< 
« 


<c 


It 


fc 


is 


it 


4* 


C  A  R  V  E  R'8    TRAVELS.  139 

One  of  this  incomparable  writer's  own  arguments 
infupport  of  his  hypothefis,  is  alio  urged  with  great 
judgment,  and  appears  to  be  nearly  conclufivc.  He 
fays,  "  We  may  lay  it  down  as  a  certain  principle 
in  this  enquiry,  that  America  was  not  peo- 
pled by  any  nation  of  the  ancient  continent,  which 
had  made  confiderable  progrefs  in  civilization. 
"  The  inhabitants  of  the  New  World  were  in  a 
"  ftate  of  fociety  fo  extremely  rude,  as  to  be  un- 
acquainted with  thofe  arts  which  are  the  firft  ef- 
fays  of  human  ingenuity  in  its  advance  towards 
improvement.  Even  the  moft  cultivated  nations 
*'  of  America  were  ftrangers  to  many  of  thofe  fim- 
plc  inventions,  which  were  almofl  coeval  with 
lociety  in  other  parts  of  the  world,  and  were 
known  in  the  earlieft  periods  of  civil  life.  From 
"  this  it  is  manifeil  that  the  tribes  which  originally 
"  migrated  to  America,  came  off  from  nations 
"  which  muft  have  been  no  lefs  barbarous  than  their 
pofterity,  at  the  time  when  they  were  firft  dif- 
covered  by  the  Europeans.  If  ever  the  ufc  of 
"  iron  had  been  known  to  the  favages  of  America, 
"  or  to  their  progenitors,  if  ever  they  had  employed 
<«  a  plough,  a  loom,  or  a  forge,  the  utiKty  of  thefe 
**  inventions  would  have  prefervcd  them,  and  it  is 
'*  impoflible  that  they  fhould  have  been  abandoned 
f^  or  forgotten," 


<< 


« 


€t 


« 


tc 


€t 


<€ 


140 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


P  H  A  P  T  E  R     II. 


Of  their  Perjonsy    Brefsy  C^c. 


jt*  ROM  the  firft  fettlement  of  the  Frencii 
in  Canada,  to  the  conqueft  of  it  by  the  Engjifh  in 
1760,  feveral  of  that  nation,  who  had  travelled  into 
the  interior  parts  of  North- ALuerica,  either  to  trade 
with  the  Indians,  or  to  endeavour  to  make  convert? 
of  them,  have  publifhcd  accounts  of  their  cuftoms, 
manners,  &c. 

The  pripcipj^l  pf  tl;iefe  a^re  Father  Louis  Henni- 
pin,  Monf.  Charlevoix,  and  the  Baron  Le  Ronton. 
The  firft,  many  years  ago,  publiflied  fome  very 
judicious  remarks,  which  he  w^s  the  better  enabled 
to  do  by  the  affiftance  he  received  from  the  maps 
and  diaries  of  the  unfortunate  M.  De  la  Salle,  who 
was  alTaflinated  whilft  he  was  on  his  travels,  by  fonic 
of  his  own  party.  That  gentleman's  journals  falling 
into  Father  Hcnnipin's  hands,  he  was  enabled  by 
them  to  J)ublifh  many  intcrcfting  particulars  relative 
to  the  Indians.  But  in  fome  refpeCts  he  fell  very 
Ihort  of  that  knowledge  which  it  was  in  his  power 
to  have  attained  from  his  long  refidencc  among  them. 
Nor  was  he  always  (as  has  been  already  obferved) 
exaft  in  his  calculations,  or  juft  in  the  intelligence  hq 
Ihas  given  us. 

The  accounts  publifhcd  by  the  other  two,  parti- 
cularly thofc  of  Charlevoix,  are  very  erroneous  in 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s    T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 


141 


die  geographical  parts,  and  many  of  the  ftorics  told 
by  the  Baron  arc  mere  delufions. 

Some  of  the  Jefuits,  who  heretofore  travelled  into 
thefe  parts,  have  alfo  written  on  this  fubjeft;  but 
as  few,  if  any,  of  their  works  have  been  tranflated 
into  the  Englifh  language,  the  generality  of  readers 
are  not  benefited  by  them ;  and,  indeed*  had  this 
been  done,  they  would  have  reaped  but  few  ad- 
vantages from  them,  as  they  have  chiefly  confined 
their  obfervations  to  the  religious  principles  of  the 
favagcs,  and  the  fteps  taken  for  their  converfion. 

Since  the  conqueft  of  Canada,  fome  of  our  own 
countrymen,  who  have  lived  among  the  Indians, 
and  learned  their  language,  have  publifhed  their 
obfervations;  however  as  their  travels  have  not 
extended  to  any  of  the  interior  parts  I  treat  of, 
but  have  only  been  made  among  the  nations  that 
border  on  our  fettle  ments,  a  knowledge  of  the 
genuine  and  uncontaminated  cuftoms  and  man- 
ners of  the  Indians  could  not  have  been  acquired  by 
them. 

The  fouth'ern  tribes,  and  thofe  that  have  held  a 
conftant  intercourfe  with  the  French  or  Englifh, 
cannot  have  preferved  their  manners  or  their  cuftoms 
in  their  original  purity.  They  could  not  avoid 
acquiring  the  vices  with  the  language  of  thofe  they 
convcrfed  witli ;  and  the  frequent  intoxications'  they 
experienced  through  the  baneful  juices  introduced 
among  them  by  the  Europeans,  have  completed  a 
total  alteration  in  their  characters. 

In  fuch  as  thefc,  a  confufed  medley  of  principles 
.cr  ufages  are  only  to  be  obferved ;  their  real  and 
unpolluted  cuftoms  could  be  fcen  among  thofe  na- 
tions alone  that  have  held  but  little  communication 


H» 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


:;*ith  the  provinces.  Thefe  I  found  in  the  north- 
weft  parts,  and  therefore  flatter  myfelf  that  I  am 
able  to  give  a  more  juft  account  of  the  cuftoms  and 
manners  of  the  Indians,  in  their  ancient  purity,  than 
any  that  h  ;  been  hitherto  publifhcd.  I  have  nadc 
oblcrvations  on  thirty  nations,  and  though  moft  of 
thefe  have  difFcrcd  in  tljieir  languages,  there  h.^s  ap- 
peared a  gFeat  fimilarity  in  their  manners,  and 
from  thefe  have  I  endeavoured  to  extra<^  the  follow- 
ing remarks. 

As  I  do  not  propofc  to  give  a  regular  and  con- 
nected fyftem  of  Indian  concerns,  but  only  to  re- 
late fuch  particulars  of  their  manners,  cuftoms,  &c. 
as  I  thought  moft  worthy  of  notice,  and  which  in- 
terfere as  little  as  poflible  with  the  accounts  given 
by  other  writers,  I  mu^t  beg  my  readers  to  excufc 
their  not  being  arranged  fyftematically,  or  treated 
of  in  a  more  copious  manner. 

The  Indian  nations  do  not  appear  to  me  to  differ 
fa  widely  in  their  make,  colour,  or  conftitution 
from  each  other,  as  reprefented  by  fome  writers. 
They  are  in  general  flight  made,  rather  tall  and 
ftraight,  ^nd  you  feldom  fee  any  among  them  de- 
formed} their  (kin  is  of  a  reddiih  or  copper  colour; 
their  eyes  ar^  large  and  black,  and  thfir  h^ir  of  the 
fame  hue,  but  very  rarely  is  it  curled  i  they  have 
good  teeth,  and  their  breath  is  as  fweet  as  the  air 
they  draw  ipj  their  cheek-bones  rather  raifed,  but 
more  fo  ifi  the  women  than  the  ipei^  j  and  the  for- 
mer arc  not  qyite  fo  tall  as  the  purppcan  women, 
however  you  frequently  ineet  with  good  facc$  and 
agreeable  perfons  among  them,  although  they  are 
more  inclined  to  be  fat  than  the  other  fex. 

I  (hall  not  enter  into  a  particular  enquiry  whether 
jthc  Indians  arc  indebted  to  nature,  art|  or  the  tern- 


CARVE  R's    TRAVE  L  S. 


«43 


pcrdture  of  the  cHraatc  for  the  colour  of  their  (kin, 
norfhall  I  quote  any  of  the  contradi6tory  accounts  I 
have  read  oh  this  fubjeft  j  I  fhall  only  fay,  that  it  ap- 
peals to  nic  to  be  the  finfture  they  received  Of  igi- 
nally  from  the  hands  of  their  creator;  but  at  what 
period  the  variation  which  is  at  prefent  vifible,  both 
in  the  complexion  and  features  of  many  nations  took 
place,  at  what  time  the  European  whitenefs,  the 
jetty  hue  of  tht  African,  or  the  copper  caft  of  the 
American  were  given  them;  which  was  the  original 
colour  of  the  firft  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  or  which 
might  be  efteemed  the  moft  pcrfed,  I  will  not  pre- 
tend to  determine. 

Many  writers  have  afferted,  that  the  Indians, 
even  at  the  matureft  period  of  theit*  exiftence,  arc 
only  furnifhed  with  hair  on  their  heads  j  and  that 
notwithftanding  the  profufion  with  which  that  part 
is  covered,  thdfe  parts  which  among  the  inhabitants 
of  other  climates  are  ufually  the  feat  of  this  cxcrcf- 
cence,  remain  entirely  free  from  it.  Even  Doctor 
Robertfon,  through  their  mifreprefentations,  hits 
contributed  to  propagate  the  error  i  and  fuppofing 
the  rernark  juftly  founded,  has  drawn  feveral  con- 
clufions  from  it  relative  to  the  habit  anfl  tempera- 
ture of  their  bodies,  which  are  confcquently  inva- 
lid. But  from  minute  enquiries,  and  a  curious  in- 
fpeftion,  lam auiic  to  declare  (however  refpeftablie 
I  may  hold  the  authority  of  thefe  hiftorians  in  other 
points)  that  their  affertions  ape  erroneous,  and  pro- 
ceeding from  the  want  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of 
the  cuftoms  of  the  Indians. 

After  the  age  of  "puberty,  their  bodies,  in  their 
natural  ftate,  are  covered  in  the  fame  manner  as 
thofe  of  the  Europeans.  The  men,  indeed,  cfteem 
a  beard  very  unbecoming,  and  take  great  pains  to 
get  rid  of  it,  nor  is  there  any  ever  to  be  pcrceivrd 


»44 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


on  their  faces,  except  when  they  grow  old,  and 
become  inattentive  to  their  appearance.  Every 
crinofe  efflorefcence  on  the  other  parts  of  the  body 
is  held  unfeemly  by  them,  and  both  fexes  employ 
much  time  in  their  extirpation. 

The  Naudowcfltcs,  and  the  remote  nations,  pluck 
them  out  with  bent  pieces  of  hard  vyood,  formed 
into  a  kind  of  nippers;  whilft  thofe  who  have^  com- 
munication with  Europeans  procure  from  them  wire, 
which  they  twift  into  a  fcrew  or  worm;  applying 
this  to  the  part,  they  prcfs  the  rings  together*  and 
with  a  fudden  twitch  draw  out  all  the  hairs  that  arc 
inclofed  between  them. 

The  men  of  every  nation  differ  in  their  drefs  very 
little  from  each  other,  except  thofe  who  trade  with 
the  Europeans  -,  thefe  exchange  their  furs  for  blan- 
kets, Ihirts,  and  other  apparel,  which  they  wear  as 
much  for  ornament  as  neceffity.  The  latter  fatten 
by  a  girdle  around  their  waifts  about  half  a  yard  of 
broad  cloth,  which  covers  the  middle  parts  of  their 
bodies.  Thofe  who  wear  fliirts  never  make  them 
faft  either  at  the  wriil  or  collar;  this  would  be  a 
moft  infufFerable  confinement  to  them.  They  throw 
their  blanket  loofe  upon  their  ihoulders,  and  hold- 
ing the  upper  fide  of  it  by  the  two  corners,  with  a 
knife  in  one  hand,  and  a  tobacco  pouch,  pipe,  &c. 
in  the  other;  thus  accoutred  they  walk  about  in 
their  villages  or  camps;  but  in  their  dances  they 
fcldom  wear  this  covering. 

Thofe  among  the  men  who  wifh  to  appear  gayer 
than  the  reft,  pluck  from  their  heads  all  the  hair, 
except  from  a  fpoc  on  the  top  of  it,  about  the  fize  of 
a  crown  piece,  where  it  is  permitted  to  grow  to  a 
confiderable  length :  on  this  are  fattened  plumes  of 
feathers  of  various  colours,   with  filvcr  or  ivory 


CARVE  R*s    TRAVELS. 


»45 


quills.  The  manner  of  cutting  and  ornamenting 
this  part  of  the  head  diftinguiihes  different  nations 
from  each  other. 

They  paint  their  faces  red  and  black,  which  they 
cfteem  as  greatly  ornamental.  They  alfo  paint 
themfelves  when  they  go  to  war  ;  but  the  method 
they  make  ufe  of  on  this  occafion  differs  from  that 
wherein  they  ufe  it  merely  as  a  decoration. 

The  young  Indians,  who  are  dclirous  of  excelling 
their  companions  in  finery,  flit  the  outward  rim 
of  both  their  ears  ;  at  the  fame  time  they  take 
care  not  to  fcparatc  them  crrircly,  but  leave  the 
fleih  thus  cut,  Hill  untouched  at  both  extremities : 
itround  this  fpongy  fubftance,  from  the  upper  to  the 
lower  part,  they  twift  brafs  wire,  till  the  weight 
draws  the  amputated  rim  into  a  bow  of  five  or  fix 
inches  diameter,  and  drags  it  almod  down  to  the 
Ihoulder.  This  decoration  is  eftetmed  to  be  excef- 
fively  gay  and  becoming. 

It  is  alfo  a  common  cuftom  among  them  to  bore 
their  nofes,  and  wear  in  them  pendants  of  different 
forts.  I  obferved  that  fea  (hells  were  much  worn  by 
thofe  of  the  interior  parts,  and  reckoned  very  orna- 
mental ;  but  how  they  procure  them  I  could  not 
learn  j  probably  by  their  traffic  with  other  nationj 
nearer  the  fea. 

They  go  without  any  covering  for  the  thigh,  ex- 
cept that  before  fpoken  of,  round  the  middle,  which 
reaches  down  halfway  the  thighs  j  but  they  maki 
for  their  legs  a  fort  of  Hocking,  either  of  Ikins  or 
cloth ;  thefe  are  fewed  as  near  to  the  (hape  of  the  leg 
as  poffible,  fo  as  to  admit  of  being  drawn  on  and  of^. 
The  edges  of  the  ftuiF  of  which  they  arc  c^mpofcd 

X 


146 


CARVER'S 


TRAVELS. 


are  left  annexed  to  the  feam,  and  hang  loofe  for 
about  t.ie  breadth  of  a  hand  j  and  this  part  which  is 
placed  on  the  outfide  of  the  leg,  is  generally  orna- 
mented by  thofe  who  have  any  communication  with 
Europeans,  if  of  cloth  with  ribands  or  lace,  if  of 
leather,  with  ciiiLroidery  and  porcupine  quills  cu- 
rioufly  coloured.  Stangers  who  hunt  among  the  In- 
dians, in  tlie  parts  where  there  is  a  great  deal  of  fnow, 
find  thefe  ftockings  much  more  convenient  than  any 
others. 

Their  flioes  are  made  of  the  ikin  of  the  deer,  elk, 
or  buffalo  :  thefe,  after  being  Ibmetimcs  drefied 
according  to  the  European  manner,  at  others  with 
the  hair  remaining  on  them,  are  cut  into  fhoes,  and 
fafhioned  fo  as  to  be  eafy  to  the  feet,  and  convenient 
for  walking.  The  edges  round  the  ancle  arc  de- 
corated with  pieces  of  brafs  or  tin  fixed  around  lea- 
ther itrings,  about  an  inch  long,  which  being  placed 
very  thick,  make  a  cheerful  tinkling  noife  either 
when  they  walk  or  dance. 

The  women  wear  a  covering  of  fome  kind  or 
6ther  from  the  neck  to  the  knees.  Thofe  who 
trade  with  the  Europeans  wear  a  linen  garment,  the 
fame  as  that  ufed  by  the  menj  the  flaps  of  which 
hang  over  the  petticoat.  Such  as  drefs  after  their 
ancient  manner,  make  a  kind  of  fhift  with  leather, 
v\'hich  covers  the  body  but  not  the  arms.  Their 
petticoats  are  made  either  of  leather  qr  cloth,  and 
reach  from  the  waift  to  the  knee.  On  their  legs 
they  wear  ftockings  and  fhoes,  made  and  ornamented 
as  thofe  of  the  men, 

^  TheydlfTcr  from  each  other  in  the  mode  of  drcf- 
fing  their  heads,  each  fcUow^ing  the  cuflom  of  the 
nation  or  band  to  which  tliey  belong,  and   adhering 


ft. 


CARVE  R»s    TRAVELS.  147 

to  the  form  made  uie  ofbv  their  ance(lors from  time 
immemorial. 

I  remarked  that  mod  of  the  females,  who  dwell 
on  the  eaft  fide  of  the  MiffiJippi,  decorate  their 
heads  by  inclofing  their  hair  cither  in  riband:,  or  in 
plates  of  filv^i'j  the  latter  is  only  made  ufe  of  by  the 
higher  ranks,  as  it  is  a  coftly  ornament.  The  filver 
they  ufe  on  this  occafion,  is  formed  into  thin  plates 
of  about  four  inches  broad,  in  feveral  of  which  they 
confine  their  hair.  That  plate  which  is  neareft  the 
head  is  of  a  confiderable  width  i  the  next  narrower, 
and  m^de  fo  as  to  pafs  a  little  way  under  the  other, 
and  in  this  manner  they  fallen  into  each  other,  and 
gradually  tapering,  defccnd  to  the  waift.  The  hair 
of  the  Indian  women  being  in  general  very  long,  this 
proves  an  expenfive  method. 

But  the  women  that  live  to  the  weft  of  the  Mlflir- 
fipoi,  viz.  the  Naudoweflies,  the  Affinipoils,  &c.  di-. 
vide  their  hair  in  the  middle  of  their  head,  and  form 
it  into  two  rolls,  one  againft  each  ear.  Thefe  rolls 
are  about  three  inches  long,  and  as  large  as  their 
wrifts.  They  hang  in  a  perpendicular  attitude  ac 
the  front  of  each  ear,  anddefcend  ^s  far  as  the  lower 
part  of  it, 

The  women  of  every  nation  generally  place  a  fpot 
of  paint,  about  the  fize  of  a  crown-piece,  againft 
each  ear  j  fome  of  them  put  paint  on  their  hair,  and 
fometimes  a  fmall  fpot  in  the  middle  of  the  forehead. 

The  Indians,  in  general,  pay  a  greater  attention  to 
their  drefs,  and  to  the   ornanKnts  with  which  they 
decorate   their  perfons,  than  to  the  j^ccommodatior^ 
pf  their  huts  or  tents.     They  ccnftrud  the  latter  in 
Xht  following  fimplc  and  expeditious  manner.. 


lf« 


CARVE  K*i    TRAVELS. 


w^ 


a&       « 


Being  provided  with  poles  of  a  proper  length, 
they  I'aften  two  of  them  acrofs,  near  their  ends,  with 
bands  made  of  bark.  Having  done  this,  they  raifc 
them  up,  and  extend  the  bottom  cf  each  as  wide  as 
they  propofe  to  make  the  area  of  the  tent :  they  then 
cred  others  of  an  equal  hf  ight,  and  fix  them  fo  as 
to  fupport  the  two  principal  ones.  On  the  whole 
they  lay  fkinsof  the  tlk  or  deer,  fev^ed  together,  in 
quantity  fufficieiit  to  cover  the  poles,  and  by  lap- 
ping over  tc  form  the  door.  A  great  number  of 
{kins  4f0 'f  ui'times  required  for  this  purpofe,  as 
lome  o!  Hc:jr  :  -nts  are  very  capacious.  That  of  the 
chief  wa,  ^  r  oft'ie  Naudoweffies  was  at  leaft  forty 
feet  in  circumfciviie,  and  very  commodious. 

They  obferve  ik>  regularity  in  fixing  their  tents 
when  they  encamp,  but  place  them  juil  ^s  it  fuita 
their  convcniency. 

The  huts  alfo,  which,,  thofe  who  uCc  not  tents, 
credl  when  they  travel,  for  very  few  tribes  have  fix- 
ed abodes,  or  regular  towns,  or  villages,  arc  equally 
fimple,  and  almoft  as  foon  conftrudted. 

They  fix  fmalF  pliable  poles  in  the  ground,  and 
bending  them  till  they  meet  at  the  top  and  form  a 
fe mi-circle,  then  lalh  them  together.  Thefe  they 
cover  with  mats  madeofrufhes  platted,  or  with  birch 
bark,  which  they  carry  with  them  m  their  canoes 
for  that  purpofe. 

Thefe  cabins  have  neither  chimnies  nor  windows ; 
there  is  only  a  fmall  aperture  left  in  the  middle  of  the 
roofs  through  which  the  fmoke  is  difcharged,  but  as 
this  is  obliged  to  be  flopped  up  when  it  rains  orfnows 
violently,  the  finoke  then  proves  exceedingly  trouble- 
fpme. 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


U$ 


They  lie  on  (kins,  generally  thfofe  of  the  bear, 
which  are  placed  in  rows  on  the  ground ;  and  if  the 
floor  is  not  large  enough  to  contain  beds  fufficient 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  whole  family,  a  frame 
is  ere^e'*  about  four  or  fire  feet  from  the  ground  in 
which  the  younger  part  of  it  fleep. 

As  the  habitations  of  the  Indians  are  thus  rude, 
their  domedic  utenfils  are  few  in  number,  and  plain 
in  their  formation.  1  he  tools  wherewith  they  faftiion 
them  are  fo  aukward  and  defeftive,  that  it  is  not  only 
impoflible  to  form  them  with  any  degree  of  neatncfs 
or  elegance,  but  the  time  required  in  the  execution 
is  fo  conficierable,  as  to  deter  them  from  engagir  ^  'n 
the  manufafture  of  fuch  as  are  not  abfolutely  iicci 
fary. 

The  Naudoweflies  make  the  pots  in  which  hty 
boil  their  visuals  of  the  black  clay  or  ftone  ^ri'lon- 
ed  in  my  journal  :  which  refifls  the  effeds  or  fire, 
nearly  as  well  as  iron.  When  they  roaft,  if  it  is  a 
large  joint,  or  a  whole  animal,  fuch  as  a  beaver,  they 
fix  it  as  Europeans  do,  on  a  fpit  made  of  a  hardwood, 
and  placing  the  ends  on  two  forked  props,  now  and 
then  turn  it.  If  the  piece  is  fmalJer  they  fplit  it  as 
before,  and  fixing  the  fpit  in  an  eredi  but  flanting  po- 
fition,  with  the  meat  inclining  towards  the  fire,  fre- 
quently change  the  fides,  till  every  part  is  fufficicntly 
roaftedf 

They  make  their  diflies  in  which  they  ferve  up 
their  meat;  and  their  bowls  and  pans,  out  of  the 
knotty  excrelences  of  the  maple-tree,  or  any  other 
wood.  They  falhion  their  fpoons  with  a  tolerable 
degrecof  ncatnefs(as  thefe  require  much  lefs  trouble 
than  large  utenfils)  from  a  !,wcod  that  is  termed  in 
America  Spoon  Wood,  and  which  greatly  rcfembie^ 
box  wood. 


ISO 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


Every  tribe  arcnowpoflcflcd  of  knives,  and  ftcels 
toftrikc  fire  with,  Thcfe  being  (o  cflcntialiy  need- 
ful for  the  common  ufcs  of  life,  thofe  who  have  not 
an  immediate  comoiunication  with  the  European 
traders,  purchafe  themof  fuch  of  their  neighbours  as 
are  fituated  nearer  the  fettlements,and  generally  give 
in  exchange  for  them  ilavcs. 


) , 


CARVE  R's     TRAVELS.. 


i?i 


fi  H  A  t»  T  E  R     III. 


Of  their  Manners,  Salifications,  i^c* 


Vv  HEN  the  Indian  women  fit  down,  they  place 
thcmfclves  in  a  decent  attitude,  with  their  knees 
clofe  together ;  but  from  being  accuftomed  to  this 
pofture,  they  walk  badly,  and  appear  to  be  lame. 

They  have  no  midwives  among  them,  their  cli- 
mate, or  fome  peculiar  happinefs  in  their  conftitu- 
tions,  rendering  affiftance  at  that  time  unneceffary. 
On  thefe  occafions  they  are  confined  but  a  few  hours 
from  their  ufual  employments,  which  are  common- 
ly very  laborious,  as  the  men  who  are  remarkable 
indolent,  leave  to  them  every  kind  of  drudgery ; 
even  in  their  hunting  parties  the  former  will  not 
deign  to  bring  home  the  game,  but  fend  their  wives 
for  it,  though  it  lies  at  a  very  confiderable  diftance. 

The  women  place  their  children  foon  after  they 
are  born  on  boards  ftufFed  with  foft  mofs,  fuch  as  is 
found  in  morafles  or  meadows.  The  child  is  laid 
on  its  back  in  one  of  this  kind  of  cradles,  and  be- 
ing wrapped  in  Ikins  or  cloth  to  keep  it  warm,  is 
fecured  in  it  by  fmall  bent  pieces  of  timber. 

To  thefe  machines  they  fallen  ftrings,  by  which 
they  hang  them  to  branches  of  trees :  or  if  they 
find  not  trees  at  hand,  faften  them  to  a  (lump  or 
ftone,  whilft  they  tranfad  any  needful  bufmefs.     In 


ija 


^C  A  R  V  E  R's      TRAVELS. 


this  pofuion  arc  the  children  kept  for  fomc  months, 
when  they  are  taken  out,  the  boys  arc  fufFcrcd  to 
go  naked,  and  the  girls  are  covered  from  the  neck 
to  the  knees  with  a  Ihift  and  a  ihort  petticoat. 

The  Indian  women  arc  remarkably  decent  during 
their  menilrual  illnefs.  thofe  nations  that  are  mcit 
remote  from  the  European  fcttlcments,  as  the  Nau- 
doweflit!s,  &c.  are  more  particularly  attentive  to  this 
point  i  though  they  all  without  exception  adhere  in 
fome  degree  to  the  fame  cuflom. 

In  every  camp  or  town  there  is  an  apartment  .ap- 
propriated for  their  retirement  at  this  time,  to  which 
both  fingle  and  married  retreat,  and  fcclude  them- 
felvcs  with  the  utmoft  ftriftncfs  during  this  period 
fronii  all  focicty.  Afterwards  they  purify  themlelvcs 
in  ri\nning  ftreams,  and  return  to  their  different  cm- 
ployriients. 

The  men  on  thefe  occafions  moft  carefully  avoid 
holding  any  communication  with  them  i  and  the 
Naudowefiies  are  fo  rigid  in  this  obfervance,  that 
they  will  not  fufFer  any  belonging  to  them  to  fetch 
fuch  things  as  are  neceffary,  even  fire,  from  thefc 
female  lunar  retreats  though  the  want  is  attended 
with  the  greateft  inconvenience.  They  are  alfo  fo 
fuperftitious  as  to  think,  if  a  pipe  ftem  cracksj  which 
among  them  is  made  of  wood,  that  the  poflcfiTor  ha$ 
either  lighted  it  at  one  of  thefe  polluted  fires,  or 
held  fome  converfc  with  a  woman  during  her  retire- 
ment, which  is  elleemed  by  them  moft  difgraceful 
and  wicked. 

The  Indians  are  extremely  circumlpcft  and  deli- 
berate in  every  word  and  aftion ;  there  is  nothing 
that  hurries  them  into  any  intemperate  warmth,  but 
that  inveteracy  to  taeir  enemies,  v/hich  is  rooted  in 


months, 
'crcd  to 
he  neck 

t. 

t  during 
irc  moifc 
ic  Nau- 
to  this 
here  in 


ent.ap- 
)  which 
'  them- 
pcriod 
Tilelves 
nt  em- 


f  avoid 
id   the 
c,  that 
3  fetch 
thcfe 
tended 
alfo  fo 
which 
or  ha$ 
cs,  or 
ctire- 
aceful 


deii- 
thing 
►  buc 
ed  in 


CARVER '«    TRAVEL^. 


»5J 


ir^try  Indian  heart,  and  never  can  be  eradicated, 
tn  all  other  indances  they  are  cool,  and  remarkably 
cautious,  taking  care  not  to  betray  on  any  accounc 
whatever,  cheir  emotions.  If  an  Indian  has  difco- 
ycred  that  a  friend  is  in  danger  of  being  intercepted 
and  cutoff  by  one  to  whom  he  has  rendered  himfelf 
obnoxious;  he  does  not  inform  him  in  plain  and 
eJEplicic  terms  of  the  danger  he  runs  by  purfuing  the 
tfack  nc^r  which  his  enemy  |ies  in  wait  fpr  him, 
but  he  Hril  coolly  aiks  him  which  Way  he  is  going 
that  day ;  and  havinff  received  his  anfwer,  with  the 
famclndifferenic  teffs  him  that  he  has  been  informed 
that  A  dog  lies  near  th<;  fpot,  ^hich  might  Jjrobably 
dd  him  a  mifchief.  This  hint  proves  fufficient}  and 
his  friend  avoids  the  danger  with  as  much  caution 
k  if  every  defign  and  motion  of  his  enemy  had  been 
i^ointed  out  to  him. 

..This  apathy  often  fhci^s  itfclf  on  occafions  that 
^ouldxall  forth  all  the  fervor  of  a  fufceptible  heart. 
If  an  Indian  has  been  abfent  from  his  family  and 
friends  many  months,  either  on  a  war  or  hunting 
party,,  when,  his  wife  and  children  meet  him  at  feme 
pittance  frbrh  his  habitation,  iiiftcad  of  the  affcc*. 
tionate  fenfations  that  would  naturally  arife  in  the 
bread:  of  more  rcfijied  beings,  and  be  produdivc 
of  mutual  congratulations^  h^  continues  his  courfc 
without  paying  the  leaft  attention  to  thcrffl  Who  fur- 
round  hinri,  till  he  arrives  at  his  home. 

He  there  fits  down,  and  with  the  fame  unconcern 
as  if  he  had  hot  been  abfent.  a  day,  fmok^s  his  pipej 
thofc  oi'  Kis  acquaintance  who  have  foUpWcd  him, 
do  the  fame  j  and  perhaps  it  is  fcveral  hours  beford, 
he  relates  to  them  the  incidents  which  have  befallen^ 
him  during  his  aljfence,  though  perhaps  he  has  hfi 
a  father,   brother,  or /ion  en  ch«  ticld,  whofc  bii 


m 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS; 


he  ought  to  have  lamented,   or  has  been   unfuc-. 
cefsful  in  the  undertaking  that  called  him  from  his 
home* 

Has  an  Indian  been  engaged  for  feveral  days  in 
the  chacc,  or  on  any  other  laborious  expedition,  and 
by  accident fcontinucd  thus  long  without  food,  when 
he  arrives  at  the  hut  or  tent  of  a  friend  where  he 
knows  his  wants  may  be  immediately  fupplied,  he 
takes  care  not  to  Ihew  the  leaft  fymptoms  of  impa- 
tienccj  or  to  betray  the  extreme  hunger  by  which  he 
is  tortured  j  but  on  being  invited  in^  fits  contentedly 
down,  and  fmokes  his  pipe  with  as  much  compo- 
furc  as  if  every  appetite  was  allayed,  and  he  was  per- 
feftly  at  eafe  j  he  does  the  fame  if  among  ftrangers. 
This  cuftom  is  ftridly  adhered  to  by  every  tribe,  as 
they  efteem  it  a  proof  of  fortitude,  and  think  the  re- 
Verfe  would  entitle  them  to  the  applanation  of  old 
women* 

If  yoii  tell  an  Indian  that  his  childpen  have  greatly 
fignalized  themfclves  againft  an  enemy,  have  taken 
many  fcalps,  and  brought  home  many  prifoners,  he 
does  not  appear  to  feel  any  extraordinary  pleafure  on 
the  occafionj  his  anfwer  generally  is,  "It  is  well," 
and  he  makes  very  little  further  enquiry  about  it. 
On  the  contrary,  if  you  inform  him  that  his  children 
are  flain  or  taken  prifoners,  he  makes  no  complaints, 
he  only  replies, , "  It  does  not  fignify ,"  and  probably, 
for  fome  time  at  leafl,  alks  not  how  it  happened. 

This  fceming  indifference,  however,  does  not  pro- 
ceed from  an  entire  fuppreffionof  n:itural  affe^lioncj 
fc  otwithttanding  they  are  tftcemed  favages,  I  ne- 
ver faw  among  any  other  people  greater  proofs  of 
parental  or  filial  tendcrnels  -,  and  although  they  meet 
th©ir  wir'.s  after  a  long  abi'ence  with  the  ftoical  in- 


C  A  R  V  E  R  "^  s    travels; 


»5S 


old 


difference  jufl:  mentioned,  they  are  not,  in  general; 
void  of  conjugal  alFedion. 

Another  peculiarity  is  obfervable  in  their  manner 
of  p?*ying  their  vifits.  If  an  Indian  goes  to  vifit  a 
particular  perfon  in  a  family,  he  mentions  to  whom 
his  vifit  is  intended,  and  the  reft  of  the  family  imme- 
diately retiring  to  the  other  end  of  the  hut  or  tent, 
are  careful  not  to  come  near  enough  to  interrupt 
them  during  the  whole  of  their  converfation.  The 
fame  method  is  purfued  if  a  man  goes  to  pay  his  re- 
fpedts  to  one  of  the  other  fex :  but  then  he  muft  be 
careful  not  to  let  love  be  the  fubjed  of  his  difcou^fe, 
whilft  the  day  light  remains. 

The  Indians  difcovcr  an  amazing  fagacity,  and  ac- 
quire with  the  greateft  readinefs  any  thing  that  de- 
pends upon  the  attention  of  the  mind.  By  expe- 
rience and  an  acute  obfervation,  they  attain  many 
perfc6lions  to  which  Europeans  are  ftrangers.  For 
inftance,  they  willcrofsa  foreft  or  aplain  which  is  two 
hundred  miles  in  breadth,  and  reach  with  great  exaft- 
ncfs  the  point  at  which  they  intended  to  arrive,  keep- 
ing during  rhe  whole  of  that  fpace  in  a  d'lrtd:  line, 
without  any  material  deviations;  and  this  they  will 
do  with  the  fame  cale,  whether  the  weather  be  fair 
pr  cloudy. 

With  equal  acutenefs  they  will  point  to  that  part 
of  the  heavens  the  fun  is  in,  though  it  be  intercepted 
by  clouds  or  fogs.  Befides  this,  they  are  able  to 
j;arfue  with  incredible  facility  the  traces  of  man  or 
beaft,  either  on  leaves  or  grafs  j  and  on  this  accounc 
it  is  with  great  difficulty  a  flying  cn?my  efcapes  dif- 
covery. 

They  are  indebted  for  thefe  talents  not  only  to  na^ 
tivre,  but  to  ag  extraordinary  command  of  the  iiitel' 


l5^ 


CARVER'S    TRAVRi$. 


Icftual  faculties,  which  can  only  be  acquired  by  an 
unremitted  attention,  and  by  U  ig  experience. 

They  arc  in  general  very  happy  in  a  retentive 
memory  i  they  can  recapitulate  every  particular  that 
hf.s  been  treated  of  in  council,  and  remember  the 
exadt  time  when  thefe  were  held.  Their  belts  of 
•wampum  preferve  the  fubftance  of  the  treaties  they 
have  concluded  'iyith  the  neighbouring  tribes  for 
ages  back,  to  which  they  will  appeal,  and  refer  with 
as  much  pcrfpicuicy  and  readincfs-  as  f^urOpeans  caq 
to  their  wiitten  Records. 

Every  nation  pays  great  refpcd  to  old  age.  I'hc 
advice  of  a  father  will  fcldom  meet  with  any  extra- 
ordinary attention  from  the  young  Indians,  proba- 
bly they  receive  it  with  only  a  bare  affent;  but  they 
Will  tremble  before  a  grandfather,  and  fubmit  to 
his  injundjoii  witji  the  ucmoil  alacfity.  The  words 
ofrhe  ancient  part  of  their  community  are  efteemcd 
by  the  young  as  oracles.  Jf  they  take  during  their 
hunting  parties  any  garnc  that  is  reckoned  by  them 
uncommonly  delicious,  it  is  imcnediately  prefented 
tp  the  cldeft  of  the i|r  relations.  ;  ' 

They  never  fuffer  themfelves  to  be  overburdened 
with  care,  but  live  in  a  (late  of  perfed  tranquility 
and  contentment.  Being  naturally  indolent,  ifpro- 
fifions  jutt  fufficient  for  their  fubfiftence  ran  be 
procured  with  little  trouble,  and  near  at  hand,  they 
will  not  go  far,  or  take  any  extraordinary  paini*  for 
it,  though  by  lb  doing  they  might  acquire  greater 
plenty,  and  of  a  pore  efiimable  kind. 

Having  much  leifiire  time  they  indulge  this  in- 
dolence to  which  they  are  fo  prone,  by  eating, 
drinking,  or  fleeping,  and  rambling  about  in  their 
towns  or  camps.     But  when  ncceHity  obliges  thcru 


to  take  the  f^rld,  either  to  oppofc  an  enemy,  or 
b  procure  thcmfclves  food,  they  are  alert  anU 
indefatigable.  Many  inftances  of  their  activity, 
on  thefc  occafions,  will  be  given  when  I  treat  of 
their  wars, 

The  infatuating  fpirit  of  gaming  is  not  confined 
to  Europe  i  the  Indians  alfo  feel'  the  bewitching  im- 
pulfe,  and  often  lofe  their  arms,  their  apparel,  and 
every  thing  they  arc  poffeiTed  of.  Jn  this  cafe^ 
however,  they  do  not  follow  the  example  of  more 
refined  gameficrs,  for  they  neither  murmur  nor  re- 
pine; not  a  fretful  word  cfcapes  them,  but  they 
bear  the  frowns  of  fortune  with  a  philofophic  com^ 
pofure. 

The  greateft  blemifh  in  their  character  is  that 
fiivage  difpofition  which  impels  them  to  treat  their 
enemies  with  a  fcverity  every  other  nation  fliudders 
at.  But  if  they  are  thus  barbarous  to  thofe  with 
whom  they  are  at  w?;,  they  are  friendly,  hofpi^ 
t^ble,  and  humane  in  peace.  It  may  wifh  truth 
be  faid  of  them,  that  they  are  the  worft  enemies, 
and  the  bed  friends,  of  any  people  in  the  whole 
world. 

The  Indians  in  general  are  ftrangers  to  the  paflion 
of  jcaloufyi  and  brand  a  man  with  folly  that  is 
diftruftful  of  his  wife.  Among  fome  bands  the  very 
idea  is  not  known;  ^s  the  moll  abandoned  of  their 
young  men  very  rarely  attempt  the  virtue  of  married 
women,  nor  do  thcfe  often  put  themfelves  in  the 
w^ay  of  folicitation.  Yet  the  Indijin  women  in  ge- 
neral are  of  an  amorous  temperature,  and  bemre 
they  are  married  are  not  the  Icfs  efteemed  for  the 
indulgence  of  their  paflfions. 


15^ 


CARVER 's    TRAVELS. 


The  Indians  in  their  common  ftate  are  ftrangers 
to  all  diftindion  of  property,  except  in  the  articles 
of  domellic  ufe,  ,which  every  one  confiders  as  hi^ 
own,  and  increafes  as  circumftanccs  admit.  They, 
arc  extremely  liberal  to  each  other,  and  fupply  the 
deficiency  of  their  friends  with  any  fuperfluity  of 
their  own. 

In  dangers  they  readily  give  sfliftancc  to  thofe  of 
their  band,  who  f^and  in  need  of  it,  without  any 
cxpcdlation  of  return,  except  of  thofe  juft  rewards 
thai;  are  always  conferred  by  the  Indians  on  merit. 
Governed  by  the  plain  and  eqviitj^bk  laws  of  nature, 
every  one  is  rewarded  folely  according  to  his  de- 
fcrtsi  and  their  equality  of  condition,  manners  ;ind 
privileges,  with  thatconftant  and  fociable  familiarity 
which  prevails  throughout  every  Indian  nation.  anU 
mates  them  with  a  pure  and  truly  patriotic  i'pirit, 
thac  tends  to  the  general  good  of  the  foqiety  to  vl,  >.*J\ 
they  belong. 

If -'DV  of  their  neighbours  are  bereaved  byJeath> 
or  by  an  enemy  of  theii  children  thofe  vvi  arc 
pofTefTed  of  the  greateft  number  off!i^.;.,  f"p  )ly 
the  deficiency  i  and  thefe  are  adoptee  by  them,  and 
treated  in  every  r^';.'i'^as  if  they  really  were  the 
children  of  the  perlca  to  -^hom  they  arc  pre- 
fentcd.  '■     ' 


The  Indians,  except  thofe  who  Uve  adjoininpj 
to  the  European  colonies,  can  form  to  thernfclveV 
no  idea  of  the  value  of  money  j  they  confider  it, 
when  they  are  made  acquainted  with  the  ufes  to 
which  it  is  applied  by  other  nations,  as  the  fource 
of  innumerable  evils.  To  it  they  attribute  all  the 
mifchiefs  that  are  prevalent  among  Europeans,  fuck 
as  treachery,  plundering,  devaftations,  and  mur-^ 
der. 


CARVER'.     TRAVELS. 


1^9 


They  eftetm  it  irrational  that  one  man  fliouid  be 
jpofieired  of  a  greater  quantity  than  another,  and  arc 
amazed  that  any  honor  fhould  be  annexed  to  the  pof- 
fcflion  of  it.  But  that  the  ^vant  of  thjs  iifclefs  metal 
fhould  be  the  caiife  cf  depriving  perfons  of  their  li- 
berty, and  that  on  account  of  this  partial  diftribution 
of  it,  great  number  fhould  be  immured  within  the 
dreary  walls  of  a  prifonj  cut  off  from  thit  focit-ty 
of  which  they  conflitutc  a  part,  exceeds  their  be- 
lief. Nor  do  they  fail,  on  hearing  this  part  of  the 
European  fyftem  of  government  related,  to  charge 
the  inftitutors  of  it  with  a  total  want  of  humanity, 
and  to  brand  them  with  the  names  of  favages  and 
brutes. 

They  fhew  almofl  an  equkl  degree  of  induTerejice 
for  the  produ6tions  of  art.  When  any  of  thefe  arc 
fhewn  them,  they  fay,  "  It  is  pretty,  I  like  to  look 
at  it,"  but  are  not  inquifitive  about  the  conllfu(5tion 
of  it,  neither  can  they  form  proper  conceptions  of 
its  ufc.  But  if  you  tell  them  of  a  perfon  who  Is  able 
to  run  ivith  great  agility,  that  is  well  fkillcd  in  hunt- 
ing, can  dire6l  with  unerring  aim  a  gun,  or  bend 
with  eafe  a  bow,  that  can  dextrouily  work  a  canoe, 
linderdands  the  art  of  war,  is  acquainted  with  the 
fituation  of  a  country,  and  can  make  his  way  wiui- 
out  a  guide,  through  an  inimenfe  forefl,  fublidin^- 
during  this  on  a  fmali  quantity  of  proviiion?  they 
are  in  raptures;  they  lifVtn  with  great  atte  •  ^n  to 
the  pleafing  tale,  and  beftoVv  the  highcft  cc  men- 
tations on  the  hero  of  it. 


i! 


r^ 


t  Jk  v<  \ 


E  R*s 


T  K  AV  B  L  S. 


CHAPTER    iV. 


fbcir  Method  of  reckoning  Time,  Ucl 


GoNSIpERtNCi  their  ignorance  of  af- 
tfonomy,  time  is  very  rationally  divided  by  the 
Indians.  Thofe  in  the  interior  parts  (and  of  thofc  I 
Would  generally  be  underftood  to  fpeak)  count  their 
j:ears  by  winters  -,  or,  as  they  exprefs  themfelvcs; 
byfriows. 

Some  nations  among  therii  reckon  their  years  by 
fAoons,  and  make  them  coniiA  of  twelve  fynodicaf 
6r  lunar  months,  obferving,  when  thirty  moons  have 
w^.ncd,  to  add  a  fupernumerary  one,  which  they 
term  the  loft  moon  -,  and  ir.en  begin .  to  count  as 
before.  They  pay  a  great  regard  to  the  tirft  ap^ 
pearance  of  every  moon,  and  on  the  occafion  always; 
fepeat  fome  joyful  founds,  ftretching  at  the  famci 
lime  their  hands  towards  it. 

Every  month  has  with  them  &  name  exprcflive  of 
hs  feafon;  for  inftance,  they  call  the  month  of 
March  (in  which  their  year  generally  begins  at  the 
lifft  New-Moon  after  the  vernal  Equinox)  the  Worm' 
Mionth  or  Moonj  becaufe  at  this  time  the  worms 
^uit  their  retreats  in  the  bark  of  the  trees,  woodJ 
&:c.  where  they  have  Oieltered  themfelves  during' 
the  winter. 

The  monthof  April  is  termed  by  them  the  month 
of  Plants.     May,  the  month  of  Ficwcrs.     June, 


CARVE  R»s    TRAVELS, 


t6l 


the  Hot  Moon.     July,    the  Buck  Moon.     Their 
fcafon  for  thus  dcnominacing  thefe  is  obvious. 

'AuguP:,the  Sturgeon  Moon;  bccaufe  in  this  month 
they  catch  great  numbers  of  that  fifli. 

September,  the  Corn  Moon;  becaufe  in  that 
month  they  gather  in  their  Indian  corn. 

0(51tober,  the  Travelling  Moon;  as  ^hey  leave  at 
this  ti'me  their  villages,  and  travel  towards  the  places 
where  they  intend  to  hunt  during  the  winter. 

> 

November,  the  Beaver  Moon  j  for  in  this  month 
the  beavers  begin  to  take  fhelter  in  their  houfes, 
having  laid  up  a  fufficient  ftorc  of  provifions  for  the 
winter  feafon. 

December,  the  Hunting  Moon,  becaufe  they 
employ  this  month  in  purfuit  of  their  game. 

January,  the  Cold  Moon,  as  it  gen  .illy  freezes 
harder,  and  the  cold  is  t|iore  intenfe  in  this  than  in 
any  other  month. 

February,  they  call  the  Snow  Moon,  becaufe 
more  fnow  commonly  fails  during  this  month^  than 
any  other  in  the  winter. 

When  the  moon  does  not  (hine.  they  fay  the  Moc|^ 
is  deadi  and  fome  call  the  three  laft  days  of  it  the 
naked  days.  The  Moon's  firft  appearance  they  term 
its  coming  to  life  again. 

They  make  no  d'lvifion  of  weeks;  but  days  they 
count  by  fleeps;  half  days  by  pointing  to  the  fun  a? 
nouni  and  quarters  by  the  rifmg  and  letting  of  thy 


!•« 


CARVEIl's    TRAVELS. 


fun :  to  exprcfs  which  in  their  traditions  they  make 
ufc  of  very  figniticant  hieroglyphics. 

The  Indians  are  totally  unfkilled  in  geography  as 
well  as  all  the  other  fciences,  and  yet,  as  1  have  be- 
fore hinted,  they  draw  on  their  birch  bark  very  cxaft 
charts  or  maps  of  the  countries  with  which  they  are 
acquainted.  The  latitude  and  longitude  is  only 
wanting  to  make  them  tolerably  complete. 

Their  fole  knowledge  in  aftronomy  confifls  in 
being  able  to  point  out  the  the  pole-ftarj  by  which 
they  regulate  their  courfe  when  they  travel  in  the 
^ight. 

They  reckon  the  diftancc  of  places,  not  by  miles 
or  leagues,  but  by  a  day's  journey,  which,  accord- 
ing to  the  beft  calculations  I  could  make,  appears  to 
^be  about  twer.ty  Englilh  miles.  Thefe  they  aifo  di- 
vide into  halves  and  .quarters,  and  will  demonltrate 
thtmin  their  maps  with  great  cxadnefs,  by  the  hie- 
jToglyphics  juft  mentioned,  wlien  they  regulate  in 
.council  their  war  parties^  or  their  nvoft  diftant  hunt- 
ing cxcuriions. 

They  have  no  idea  of  arithmetic  -,  and  though  they 
are  able  to  count  to  any  number,  figures  as  well  as 
letters  appear  myllcrious  to  them,  and  above  their 
comprehtnfion. 

During  my  abode  with  the  NaudoweHies,  fome 
pf  the  chiefs  obferving  one  day  a  draft  of  an  cclipfe 
of  the  moon,  in  a  book  of  altronomy  wliich  I  held  in 
i»iy  hand,  they  defired  I  would  permit  them  to  look 
at  it.  Happening  to  give  them  the  book  (hut,  they 
began  to  count  the  leaves  till  they  came  to  the  place 
in  which  the  plate  wa>.  After  they  had  viewed  it, 
andafked  many  quellion^  relative  to  it,  I  tcld  them 


CARVE  R  *8    TRAVELS. 


i6| 


they  need  not  to  have  taken  fo  much  pains  to  find 
the  leaf  on  which  it  was  drawn,  for  I  could  not  o  \y 
tell  in  an  inftant  the  place,  without  counting  the 
leaves,  but  alfo  how  many  preceded  it. 

They  feemed  greatly  amazed  at  my  afleriion,  and 
begged  that  I  would  demonftrate  to  them  fr.f  {>  m- 
fibility  of  doing  it.  To  this  purpcfe  I  defined  the 
chief  that  held  the  book,  to  (pen  it  at  any  particiJjr 
place,  and  juft  Ihcwing  me  the  page  carefully  to 
conceal  the  edges  of  the  leaves,  fo  that  I  might  net 
be  able  to  count  them. 

This  he  did  with  the  greateft  caution;  notwith- 
ftanding  which,  by  looking  at  the  folio,  I  told  him, 
to  his  great  furprife,  the  number  of  leaves.  He 
counted  them  regularly  over,  and  difcovcred  that  I 
was  exad.  And  when,  after  repeated  trials,  the 
Indians  found  I-could  do  it  with  great  readinefs,  and 
without  ever  erring  in  my  calculation,  they  all  feemed 
as  much  aftonilhed  as  if  I  had  raifed  the  dt  ad.  The 
only  way  they  could  account  for  my  knowledge, 
was  by  concluding  that  the  book  was  a  fpirit,  and 
whifpercd  me  anfwers  to  whatever  Idemanaed  of  it. 

This  circumftancc,  trifling  as  it  might  appear  to 
thofe  who  are  lefs  illiterate,  contributed  to  increafe 
my  confequence,  and  to  augment  the  favorable  opi- 
nion ^hey  already  entertained  of  me* 


;.J. 


t<$4 


CARVER '«  TRAVE  L  S, 


CHAPTER  V. 


Of  their  Covernment,  C^c. 


Jtl,  VERY  ftperate  body  of  Indians  is  divided 
into  bands  or  tribes;  which  band  or  tribe  forms  a 
Jittle  community  with  the  nation  to  which  it  belongs. 
As  the  nation  has  feme  particular  fymbol  by  whiela 
it  is  diftinguiihed  from  others,  fo  each  tribe  has  a 
badge  from  which  it  is  denominated;  as  that  of  the 
Eagle,  the  Panther,  the  Tiger,  the  Buffalo,  &c. 
&c.  One  band  of  the  Naudowtffics  is  reprefented 
by  a  Snake,  another  a  Tortoife,  a  third  a  Squirrel, 
a  fourth  a  Wolf,  and  a  fifth  a  Buffalo.  Throughout 
every  nation  they  particularife  themfelves  in  the  fame 
manner,  and  the  meaneft  perfon  among  them  will 
remember  his  lineal  defcent,  and  diftinguilh  himfclf 
by  his  refpedivc  family. 

Did  not  many  circumftances  tend  to  confute  the 
fuppofition,  I  lliould  be  almoft  induced  to  conclude 
from  this  dillinftion  of  tribes,  and  the  particular 
attachment  of  the  Indians  to  them,  that  they  derive 
their  origin,  as  fomc  have  afTertcd,  from  the  Ifrae- 
lites. 

Befides  this,  every  nation  diftinguifh  themfelves 
by  the  manner  cf  con{\ru6ling  their  tents  or  huts. 
And  fo  v/ell  yerfed  are  all  the  Indians  in  this  diftinc- 
tion,  that  though  there  appears  to  be  no  difference 
on  the  niceft  obfervation  made  by  an  European, 
yet  they  will  immediately  difcover,  from  the  pofuion 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


I6s 


of*  a  pole  left  in  the  ground,  what  nation  has  en- 
camped on  the  fpot  many  months  before. 

Every  band  has  a  chief  who  is  termed  the  Great 
Chief  or  the  chief  Warrior  j  and  who  is  chofen  in 
confidcration  of  his  experieiice  in  war,  and  of  his 
approved  valour,  to  dirc£t  their  military  operations, 
and  to  regulate  all  concerns  belonging  to  that  de- 
partment. But  this  chief  is  not  confidercd  as  the 
head  of  the  (late  i  be  fides  the  great  warrior  who  is  • 
clefted  for  his  war-like  qualifications,  there  is  ano- 
ther who  enjoys  a  pre-eminence  as  his  hereditary 
right,  and  has  the  more  immediate  management  of 
their  civil  affairs.  This  chief  might  with  greater 
propriety  be  denominated  the  Sachem;  whofe  afTent 
is  neceflary  in  all  convt-yances  and  treaties,  to  which 
he  affixes  the  mark  of  the  tribe  or  nation. 

Though  thefe  two  are  confidered  as  the  heads  of 
the  band,  and  the  latter  i.  ufually  denoninated  their 
king,  yet  the  Indians  are  fenfible  of  neither  civil  or 
military  fubordination.  As  everyone  of  them  enter-, 
tains  a  high  opinion  of  his  confequence,  and  is  ex- 
tremely tenacious  of  his  liberty,  all  injundtions  that 
carry  with  them  the  appearance  of  a  pofitivc  com- 
mand, are  inftantly  rejc<5ted  with  fcorn. 

On  this  account,  it  is  feldom  that  their  leaders 
are  fo  indifcreet  as  to  give  out  any  of  their  orders  in 
a  peremptory  ftilej  a  bare  hint  from  a  chief  that  he 
thinks  fuch  a  thing  neceflary  to  be  done,  inftantly 
aroufes  an  emulation  amonp;  the  inferior  ranks,  and. 
it  is  immediately  executed  with  great  alacrity.  By 
this  method  the  difguftful  part  of  the  command  is 
evaded,  and  an  authoiicy  that  falls  little  Ihort  of  ab- 
folute  fway  inftituted  in  its  room. 

Among  the  Indians  no  vifible  form  of  government 
is  cilabliflied ;  tliey  allow  of  no  fuch  diftindlion  as 


IMAO£  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Corporation 


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23  WIST  MAIN  STREeT 

WIBSTM.N.Y.  MS80 

(716)t73-4S03 


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0 


t#« 


CARVER'S    TRA^VRLS, 


magiftratc  and  fubjc<a,  every  one  appearing  to  enjoy 
an  independence  that  cannot  be  controlled.  The 
objedk  of  government  among  them  is  rather  foreign 
than  domcftic,  for  their  attention  feejms  more  to  be 
cniployed  in  preferving  fuch  an  union  among  the 
members  of  their  tribe  as  will  enable  them  to  watch 
the  motions  of  their  enemies,and  to  a£t  again  ft  them 
"with  concert  and  vigour,  than  to  maintain  interior 
order  by  any  public  regulations.  If  a  fcheme  that 
appears  to  be  offcrvice  to  the  community  is  propof- 
cd  by  the  chief,  every  one  is  at  liberty  to  choofc 
whether  he  will  affift  in  carrying  it  on  j  for  they  have 
no  compulfory  laws  that  lay  them  under  any  rcftric- 
tions.  If  violence  is  committed,  or  blood  is  llied, 
the  right  of  revenging  thefe  mifdemeanors  is  left  to 
the  family  of  the  injured  :  the  chiefs  affume  neither 
the  power  ofinflt€ting  or  moderating  the  punifh- 
ment. 


Some  nationsj  where  the  dignity  is  hereditary, 
liirit  the  fucceffion  to  the  female  line.  On  the  death 
of  a  chief,  his  fiftcr's  fon  fometimes  fuccccds  him  in 
jn-cfcrenje  to  his  own  fon  j  and  if  he  happens  to 
have  no  filler,  the  neareft  female  relation  affumes  the 
dignity.  This  accounts  for  a  woman  being  at  the 
head  of  the  Winnebago  nation,  which,  before  I  was' 
acquainted  with  their  laws,  appeared  ftrange  to  me. 

Each  family  has  a  right  to  appoint  one  of  its  chiefs ' 
to  be  an  aflTdant  to  the  principal  cheif,  who  watches  * 
over  the  intereft  of  his  family,  and  without  whofe 
confcnt  nothing  of  a  public  nature  can  be  carried  into 
execution;  Thefe  are  generally  chofen  for  their 
ability  in  fpeaking  j  and  fuch  only  are  permitted  t^ 
make  orations  in  their  councils  and  general  affem- 
.blics. 


C  A  R  V  E  R»8   TRAVELS. 


'i6y 


In  this  body,  with  the  hereditary  chief  at  its  head, 
the  fuprcmc  authority  appears  to  be  lodged  j  as  by- 
its  determination  every  tranfaftion  relative  to  their 
hunting,  to  their  making  war  o  r  peace,  and  to  all  theiir 
public  concerns  arc  regulated.  Next  to  thcfe,  tht 
body  of  warriors,  which  comprehends  all  tha:  are 
able  to  bear  arms,  hold  their  rank.  This  divition 
hasfomctimcs  atitshead  the  cheifofthe  nation,  if  he 
has  fignalized  himlelf  by  any  renowned  action,  if  not, 
fome  chief  that  has  rendered  himfelf  famous. 

In  their  councils,  which  are  held  by  the  foregoing 
members,  every  atFair  of  confcquence  is  debated  i 
and  nockiterprize  of  the  leaft  moment  undertaken, 
unlcfs  it  there  meets  with  the  general  approbation 
of  the  chiefs.  They  commo  nly  affemblc  in  a  hut  or 
tent  appropriated  to  this  purpofe,  and  being  feated 
in  a  circle  on  the  ground,  the  eldetl  chief  rifcs  and 
makes  a  fpeech  j  when  he  has  concluded,  another 
gets  up  ;  and  thus  they  all  fpcak,  if  neceflary  by 
turns. 

On  this  occafion  their  language  is  nervous,  and 
their  manner  of  exprtrfli  m  emphatical.  Their  ftile 
is  adorned  with  images,  comparifons,  and  ftrong 
metaphors,  and  is  equal  in  allegories  to  that  of  any 
of  the  eaftern  nations.  In  all  their  fct  fpeeches  they 
exprefs  themfelves  with  much  vehemence,  but  in 
common  difcourfe  according  to  our  uiual  method  of 
fpeech. 

The  young  men  are  fuffered  to  be  prefent  at  the 
councils,  though  they  are  not  allowed  to  make  a 
fpeech  till  they  are  regularly  admitted  :  they  how- 
ever liften  with  great  attention,  and  to  Ihow  that 
they  both  undcrftand,  and  approve  of  the  refoluciona 
taken  by  the  aflcmbled  chiefs,  they  frequently  ex- 
claim,   "  That  is  right."     «  That  is  good." 


168 


C  A  R  V  E  R»i   TRAVELS. 


THc  cuftomary  mode  among  all  the  ranks  of  ex» 
prcifing  their  alTcnt,  and  which  they  repeat  ac  the 
end  of  almoft  every  period  is  by  uttering  a  kind  of 
forcible  afpiration>  which  founds  like  an  union  of  the 
letters  OAH. 


CARVE  R*s    TRAVELS. 


i6^ 


CHAPTER    Vr. 


Of  their  Feaflf 


JVjLaNY  of  the  Indian  nations  neither  make 
ue  of  bread,  fait,  or  Ipices  -,  and  fomc  of  them  have 
never  fccn  or  tailed  of  either.  The  Naudoweflies  in 
particular  have  no  bread,  nor  any  fubftitute  for  it. 
They  eat  the  wild  rice  which  grows  in  great  quan- 
tities in  different  parts  of  their  territories  :  but  they 
boil  it  and  eat  it  alone.  They  alfo  eat  the  flelh  of  the 
beafts  they  kill,  without  having  recourfe  to  any  fari- 
naceous fubftance  to  abforb  the  grofTer  particles  of 
it.  And  even  when  they  confume  the  fugar  which 
they  have  extradtcd  from  the  maple  tree,  they  ufe  it 
not  to  render  fome  other  f.:)od  palatable^  but  gene- 
rally eat  it  by  itfclf.        . 

Neither  have  they  any  idr.a  of  the  ufe  of  milk,  al- 
though they  mieht  collcfb  great  quantities  from,  the 
buffalo  or  the  elk  ;  they  only  confider  it  as  proper 
for  the  nutriment  of  the  young  of  thefe  beads  during 
their  tender  (late.  I  could  not  perceive  that  any  in- 
conveniency  attended  the  total  difufe  of  articles 
eftecmed  fo  ncccffary  and  nutritious  by  other  na- 
tions, on  the  contrary,  they  are  in  general  healthy  and 
vigorous. 

One  difh  however,  which  anf\ycrs  nearly  the 
fame  purpofe   as  bread,   is  in  ufe  among   the  Ot- 


'yd  CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 

tagaumics,  the  Saukies,  and  the  more  eaftcrn  na- 
tions, where  Indian  corn  grows,  which  is  not  only 
firjuch  cftcemed  by  them,  but  it  is  reckoned  ex- 
tremely palatable  by  air  the  Europeans  who  enter 
their  dominions.  This  is  compofed  of  their  unripe 
corn  as  before  defcribed,  and  beans  in  the  fame  ftate, 
boiled  together  with  bear's  flefh,  the  fat  of  which 
moiftcns  thepulfc,  and  renders  it  beyond  comparifon 
delicious.     I'hey  call  this  food  Succatolh. 

The  Indians  arc  far  from  being  Cannibals,  as  they 
are  faid  to  be.  All  their  vidluals  are  cither  roalled 
or  boiled  j  and  this  in  the  extreme.  Their  drink  is 
generally  the  broth  in  which  it  has  been  boiled* 

Their  food  confifts  of  the  flefli  of  the  bear,  tjvc' 
buffalo,  the  elk,  the  deer,  the  beaver,  and  the  racoon; 
which  they  prepare  in  the  manner  juft  me;ltioned. 
They  ufually  eat  the  flefh  of  the  deer  whi^h  is  na- 
turally dry,- with  that  of  the  bear  which  is  fat  and 
juicy  J  and  though  the  latter  is  extremely  rich  and 
lufcious,  it  is  never  known  to  cloy. 

In  the  fpring  of  the  year  the  Naudowef- 
fies,  eat  the  infide  bark,  of  a  fhrub,  that  they 
gather  in  fome  part  of  their  country  j  but  I  could 
neither  learn  the  name  of  it,  or  difcover  from 
■whence  they  got  it.  It  was  of  a  brittle  nature  and 
cafily  mafticated.  The  taile  of  it  was  very  agreea- 
ble, and  they  faid  it  was  extremely  nourifhing.  In 
flavour  it  was  not  unlike  the  turnip,  and  when  re- 
ceived into  the  mouth  refembled  that  root  both  in  its 
pulpous  and  frangible  nature. 

The  lower  ranks  of  the  Indians  are  exceedingly 
nafly  in  dreffing  their  vi61:uals,  but  fome  of  the  chiefs 
are  very  neat  and  cleanly  in  their  apparel,  tents  and 
food. 


\ 


C-ARVER*s      TRAVELS. 


^ 


r.  171 


They  commonly  eat  in  large  parties,  fo  that  their 
meals  may  properly  be  termed  fcafts  j  and  this  they 
<lo  without  being  reftridted  to  any  Bxed  or  regulai- 
hours,  butjuft  as  their  appetites  require,  and  con- 
venience fuits. 

'■f 

They  ufually  dance  either  before  or  after  every 
meal  i  and  by  this  cheerfulnefs  probably  render  the 
Great  Spirit,  to  whom  they  cofnfider  thcmfclves  as 
indebted  for  every  good,  ^  mpre.  acceptable  facrificc 
than  a  formal  and  unanimatcd  thankfgiving.  T^e 
men  and  women  feaft  apart :  and  each  lex  invite  by 
turns  their  companions,  to  partake  with  them. of  the 
feod  they  happen  to  hav^ ;  but  in  their  ^omeilic 
way  of  living  the  men  and  women  cat  pgecher. 

No  people  arc  more  hofpitaWe,  kind,  and  free 
than  the  Indians.  They  will  readily  ftvire  with  any 
of  their  own  tribe  the  laft  pare  of  th(eir  provifions, 
and  even  with  thofc  ofji  different  nation,  if  they 
chance  to  come  in  when  they  arc  eating.  Though 
they  do  not  keep  one  common  ftock,  yet  that  com- 
munity of  goods  which  is  fo  prevalent  among  them, 
^nd  their  generous  difpofition,  render  it  nearly  of  the 
famccffeS, 

When  the  chiefs  are  convened  on  any  public  bu- 
finefs,  they  always  conclude  with  a  feaft,  at  whicl^ 
their  fcftivity  and  cheerfulnefs  knov^  no  limit. 


L»I< 


17  » 


P  A  R  V  E  R's     T  I?.  A  V  E  L  S. 


CHAPTER     VUi 


Of  iheir  Dances, 


JLJANCING  is  a  favourite  cxercifc  among 
the  Indians  -,  they  never  meet  on  any  public  occa- 
fion, but, this  makes  a  part  of  the  entertainment. 
And  when  they  ar^  not  engaged  in  war  or  hunting, 
the  youth  of  both  fcxcs  amufe  (hen^felyes,  in  this 
i|ianner  every  evenings 

*  They  always  ds^nce,  as  I  have  juft  obfervcd,  at 
their  feails.  In  (hefe  a^  well  as  all  their  other  dances, 
every  m^n  rifcs  in  his  turn,  and  moves  about  with 
great  freedom  and  boldnefs  j  finging  as  he  does  fo, 
the  exploits  of  his  anceitois,  Pur ing  this  the  com- 
pany, who  9re  feated  on  (he  ground  in  a  circle^ 
around  |he  dancer,  join  with  him  in  making  the  gar 
dcnce,  by  an  odd  tone,  which  they  utter  all  together, 
and  which  founds,  ^*  Heh,  hch,  hch."  Thcfc  notes, 
jf  they  might  be  fo  termed,  are  articulated  with  a 
harfh  accent,  and  ftrajr^ed  out  with  the  utmcft  force 
of  their  Jungs :  fo  that  one  would  imagine  their 
ftrcngth  muft  be  foon  exhaufted  by  it  j  ipftead  of 
which,  they  repeat  it  with  the  fame  violence  during 
the  whole  of  their  entertainment 


CARVE  R»8    TRAVELS. 


173 


The  women,  particularly  tliofe  of  the  weftcrn  na- 
tions, dance  very  gracefully.  They  carry  thcmfclvcs 
creft,  and  with  their  arms  hanging  down  clofe  to 
their  fides,  movc*firfta  few  yards  to  the  right,  and 
then  back  again  to  the  left.  This  movement  they 
perform  without  taking  any  fteps  as  an  European 
would  do,  but  with  their  feet  conjoined,  moving  by 
turns  their  toes  and  heels.  In  this  manner  they  glide 
with  great  agility  to  a  certain  diftance,  and  then 
return  j  and  let  thofe  who  join  in  the  dance  be  ever 
fo  numerous,  they  keep  time  fo  exadlly  with  each 
other  that  no  interruption  cnfues.  During  this,  at 
ftated  periods,  they  mingle  their  Ihrill  voices,  with 
the  hoarfer  ones  at  the  men,  who  fit  around  (for  it 
is  to  be  obferved  that  the  fexes  never  intermix  in  the 
fame  dance)  which,  with  the  mufic  of  the  drums  and 
chickicoes,  make  an  agreeable  harmony. 

The  Lndians  have  feveral  kinds  of  dances,  which 
they  ufc  on  different  occafions,  as  the  Pipe  or  Calu- 
met Dance,  the  War  Dance,  the  Marriage  Dance, 
and  the  Dance  of  the  SacriFce.  The  movements  in 
every  one  of  thefe  are  diifimilar  j  but  it  is  almoft 
impofiible  to  convey  any  idea  of  the  points  in  which 
they  arc  unlike* 

Different  nations  likewife  vary  in  their  manner  of 
dancing,  The  Chiprways  throw  themfelvcs  into  a 
greater  variety  of  attitudes  than  any  other  peopk  j 
k)metimes  they  hold  their  lieada  creft,  at  others  they 
bend  them  almoft  to  the  ground ;  then  recline  on  one 
fide,  and  immediately  after  on  the  other.  The 
Naudbweflies  carry  themfelves  more  upright,  ftep 
firmer,  and  more  more  gracefully.  But  they  all 
accompany  their  Jattce*  with  the  difagrccablc  noifc 
juft  mentioned. 


J74  C  A  R  V  ft  R*8    T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 

The  i*ipc  Dance  is  the  prineipal,  and  the  mod 
plcafing  to  a  fpcftator  of  any  of  them,  being  the  lead 
franticj  and  the  movement  of  it  moft  graceful.  It 
is  but  on  particular  occafions  that  it  is  ufed ;  as 
when  ambaffadors  from  an  enemy  arrive  to  treat  of 
peace,  or  when  ftrangers  of  eminence  pafs  through 
their  territories. 

The  War  Dance,  which  they  ufe  both  before 
they  fet  out  on  their  war  parties,  s^nd  on  their  return 
from  them,  ftrikes  terror  into  ftrangers.  It  is  per- 
formed, as  the  others,  amidft  a  circle  of  the  war- 
riors i  a  chief  generally  begins  it  who  moves  from 
the  right  to  the  left,  fmging  at  the  fame  time  both 
his  own  exploits,  and  thole  of  his  anceftors.  When 
he  has  concluded  his  account  of  any  memorable  ac- 
tion, he  gives  a  violent  blow  with  his  war-club, 
againft  a  poft  that  is  fixed  in  the  ground,  near  the 
centre  of  the  aflcmbly,  for  this  purpofe. 

Every  one  dances  in  his  turn,  and  recapitulates  the 
wondrous  deeds  of  his  family,  till  they  all  at  laft  join 
in  the  dance.  Then  it  becomes  truly  alarming  to 
any  ftrgnger  that  happens  to  be  among  them,  as 
they  throw  themfelves  in  every  horrible  and  terrifving 
pofture  that  can  be  imagined,  rchearfing  at  the  fame 
time  the  parts  they  expeA  to  adt  againft  their  ene- 
mies in  the  field.  During  this  they  hold  their  (harp 
knives  in  their  hands^  with  which,  as  they  whirl 
about,they  are  every  |iion|ent  in  danger  ofcuttingeach 
other's  throats  -,  and  didthev  not  fhun  the  threatened 
mifchief  with  inconceivable  dexterity,  it  could  not  be 
avoided.  By  thefc  motions  they  inten4  to  repre- 
fent  the  manner  in  which  they  kill,  fcalp,  and  take 
their  prifoners.  To  heighten  the  fcene,  they  fet  up 
the  fame  hedious  yells,  cries,  and  war-whoops  they 
ufc  in  time  of  adlion :  fo  that  it  is  impoflible  to  con- 

h 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


«7$ 


fider  them  in  any  other  light  than  as  an  aflfembly  of 
demons. 

I  have  frequently  joined  in  this  dance  with  them, 
but  it  foon  ceafed  to  be  an  amufement  to  me,  as  I 
could  not  lay  afide  my  apprehenfions  of  receiving 
fome  dreadful  wound,  that  from  the  violence  of  their 
geftures  muft  have  proved  mortal. 

I  found  that  the  nations  to  the  weftward  of  the 
Mifliffippi,  and  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Superior,  dill 
continue  to  make  ufe  of  the  Pawwaw  or  Black 
Dance.  The  people  of  the  colonies  tell  a  thoufand 
ridiculous  (lories  of  the  Devil  being  raifcd  in  this 
dance  by  the  Indians.  But  they  allow  that  this  was 
in  former  times,  and  is  now  nearly  extinft  among 
thofe  who  live  adjacent  to  the  European  feti?  :ments. 
However  I  difcovered  that  it  was  ftill  ufed  in  ihe 
interior  parts  ;  and  though  I  did  not  actually  fee  the 
Devil  raifed  by  it,  I  was  witnefs  to  fome  fcenes,  that 
could  only  be  performed  by  fuch  as  dealt  with  him, 
or  wefc  very  expert  and  dextrous  jugglers. 

Whilft  1  was  among  the  Naudoweffies,  a  dance 
which  they  thus  termed  was  performed.  Before 
the  dance  began,  one  of  the  Indians  was  admitted 
ittto  a  fociety  which  they  denominated  WaTcon- 
Kitchewah,  that  is,  the  Friendly- Society  of  the 
Spirit.  This  fociety  is  compofed  of  perfonsof  both 
fcxcs,  but  fuch  only  can  be  admitted  into  it  as  arc  of 
unexceptionable  character,  and  who  receive  the  ap- 
probation of  the  whole  bo^y.  To  this  admiflioR 
fucceeded  the  Pawwaw  Dance  (in  which  I  faw  no- 
thing that  could  give  rife  to  the  reports  I  had  heard) 
and  the  whole,  according  to  their  ufual  cuftom,  con- 
cluded with  a  grand  /eaft. 


II< 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


The  initiation  being  attended  with  fome  very  fm- 
ffiilar  circumllances,  which,  as  I  have  before  ob- 
fcrved,  muft  be  either  the  efFedk  of  magic,  or  of 
^nazing  dexterity,  I  fhall  give  a  particular  account 
of  the  whole  procedure.  It  wa^  performed  at  the 
time  of  the  new  moon,  in  a  place  appropriated  to 
the  purpofe,  near  the  centre  of  their  camp,  that 
would  contain  about  two  hundred  people.  Beine  a 
(Iranger,  and  on  all  occafions  treated  by  them  with 
great  civility,  I  was  invited  to  fee  the  ceremony, 
and  placed  clofe  to  the  rails  of  the  inclofure. 

About  twelve  o'clock  they  began  to  alfemblej 
when  the  fun  (hone  bright,  which  they  confidered 
as  a  good  omen,  for  they  never  by  choice  hold  any 
of  their  public  meetings  unlefs  the  fky  be  clear  and 
unclouded.  A  great  number  of  chiefs  Brft  appeared, 
who  were  dreHcd  in  their  beft  apparel;  and  after 
them  came  the  head-warrior,  clad  in  a  long  robe  of 
rich  furs,  that  trailed  on  the  ground,  attended  by  a 
retinue  of  fifteen  or  twenty  perfons,  painted  and 
dreffed  in  the  gayeft  manner.  Next  followed  the 
wives  of  fuch  as  had  been  already  admitted  into  the 
focietyi  and  in  the  rear  a  confufed  heap  of  the  lower 
ranks,  all  contributing  as  much  as  lay  in  their  power 
to  n>ak,e  the  appearance  grand  and  fhowy. 

When  the  affembiy  was  feated,  and  filencc  pro- 
claimed, one  of  the  principil  chiefs  arofe,  and  in  a 
fhort  but  mafterly  fpccch  informed  his  audience  of 
the  occafion  of  their  meeting.  He  acquainted  them 
that  one  of  their  young  Aien  wiflhcd  to  be  admitted 
into  their  fociety;  and  taking  him  by  the  hand  pre- 
fcnted  him  to  their  view,  afkine  them,  at  the  fame 
time,  whether  they  had  any  objedion  to  his  becom- 
ing one  of  their  community. 

No  objeftion  being  made,  the  young  candidate 
was  placed  in  the  centre^  and  four  of  the  chiefs  took 


CARVER 'J    TRAVELS. 


^77 


their  (lations  clofc  to  I  •  after  exhorting  him,  by 
tarns,  not  ro  faint  under  t  le  operation  he  was  about 
to  go  through,  but  to  behave  like  an  Indian  and  a 
man,  two  of  them  took  hold  of  his  arms,  and  caufed 
him  to  kneel  i  another  placed  himfelf  behind  him, 
fo  as  to  receive  him  when  he  fell,  and  the  laft  of  the 
four  retired  to  the  diftancc  of  about  twelve  feet  from 
him  exadtly  in  front. 

This  difpofi'tion  being  completed,  the  chief  that 
flood  before  the  kneeling  candidate,  began  to  fpeik 
to  him  with  an  audible  voice.  He  told  him  that  he 
hirinfelf  Wasnow  agitated  by  the  f?mc  fpirit  which 
he  ihbuld  in  a  feW  moments  cotnmiinicatetb  him; 
that.it  would  (Irike  him  dead,  but  that  he  would  in- 
(bnt'iy  be  reftored  again  to  life',  xt  this  hie  added j 
that  the  communication  however  terrifyiii^,  was  k 
necefTary  introdu^ion  to  the  advantages  enjoyed  bjr 
the  community  into  which  he  was  on  the  point  of  be- 
ing aditiitted. 

As  he  fpoke  this;  he  Appeared  to  be  greatly  agi- 
tated j  till  at  lad  his  emotions  became  fo  violent, 
that  his  countenance  was  diftorted,  and  his  whole 
frame  convulfed.  At  this  junfture  he  threw  fome- 
thihg  that  appeared  both  in  ihdpe  and  cblbur  like  a 
fmall  bean,  ar  the  young  man,  which  feemed  to  en- 
ter hh  mouth,  and  he  inftantly  fell  a$  motibnliefs  as 
if  he  had  been  (hot.  The  chief  that  was  t)iaced  be- 
hihd  him  received  him  in  his  arms,  and,  by  the 
ailiiilance  of  the  other  two,  laid  him  on  the  ground 
to  all  appearance  bereft  of  life. 

Having  done  this,  they  immediately  began  to  ruB 
his  limbs,  and  to  (Irikc  him  on  the  back,  giving  hifA 
fuch  blowsi  as  fccmcd  more  calculated  to  ftill  thi 
quick,  than  to  raife^thc  dead.     During  thcfc  extra- 


178 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


--i#' 

m^-''-' 


L'>^ 


ordinary  applications,  the  fpcaker  continued  his  ha- 
rangue, dcfiring  the  ipedators  not  to  be  furprifcd, 
or  to  defpair  of  the  ycimg  man's  recovery,  as  his 
prefcnt  inanimate  fituarion  proceeded  only  from  the 
forcible  operation  of  the  fpirit,  on  faculties  that  had 
hitherto  been  unufed  to  infpirations  of  this  kind. 

The  candidate  lay  fevcral  minutes  without  fenfc 
or  motion ;  but  at  length,  after  receiving  many  vio- 
lent blows,  he  began  to  difcbvcr  fome  fymptoms  of 
returning  life.  Thefe,  however,  were  attended  with 
:(lrong  convulfions,  and  an  apparent  obftrudtion  in 
iiis  throat.  But  they  were  foon  at  an  end;  for  hav- 
ing difcharged  from  his  mouth  the  bean,  or  what- 
ever it  was  that  the  chief  had  thrown  at  hiin»  but 
which  on  the  clofeft  infpe6l ion  I  had  not  perceived 
to  enti  r  it,  he  foon  after  appeared  to  be  tolerably 
lecoyeied. 

This  part  of  the  ceremory  being  happily  efFefted, 
the  officiating  chiefs  difrobed  him  of  the  clothes  he 
had  ufually  worn,  and  put  on  him  a  fet  of  apparel 
entirely  new.     When  he  was  dreflcd,  the  fpeakcr 
cnce  more  took  him  by  the  hand,  and  prefcnted  him 
to  the  fociety  as  a  regular  and  thoroughly  initialed 
siiember,  exhorting  them,  at  the  fame  time,  to  give 
him  fuch  necefiary  affiftance,  as  being  a  young  mem- 
ber, he  might  (land  in  need  of.  He  then  alfo  charged 
the  newly  elefted  brother  to  receive  with  humility, 
and  to  follow  with  pun6tuality  the  advice  of  his  elder 
brethren. 

■•'■  ' 

Ail  tliofe  who  had  been  admitted  within  the  rails, 
now  formed  a  circlue  around  their  new  brother,  and 
the  mufic  ftriking  up,  the  great  chief  fung  a  fong, 
celebrating  as  ufual  their  martial  exploits. 


CARVE  R's     TRAVELS. 


179 


The  only  mufic  they  make  ufe  of  is  d  drum,  which 
is  compcfed  of  a  pit  ce  of  a  hollow  tree  curioufly 
wrought,  and  over  one  end  of  which  is  drained  a 
flcin,  this  thty  beat  \\  ith  a  fmgle  ftick,  and  it  gives 
a  found  that  is  far  from  harmonious,  bu:  it  juft  fcrves 
to  beat  time  wiih.  To  this  they  foniiitimes  add 
the  chichicoe,  and  in  their  war  dances  they  likcwifc 
ufe  a  kind  of  fife,  formed  of  a  reed,  which  makes  a 
Ihrill  harfh  noife. 


'The  whole  affembly  were  by  this  time  united,  and 
the  dance  began;  fevcral  fingers  affifted  the  mufic 
with  their  voice,  and  the  women  joining  in  the  cho- 
rus at  certain  intervals,  they  produced  together  a 
not  unpleafing  but  favage  harmony.  This  was  one 
of  the  moft  agreeable  entertainments  I  faw  whilft  I 
was  among  them. 

I  could  not  help  laughing  at  a  fingular  childifti 
cuftom  I  obferved  they  introduced  into  this  dance, 
and  which  was  the  only  one  that  had  the  lead  ap- 
pearance of  conjuration.  Moft  of  the  members  car- 
ried in  their  hands  an  otter  or  marten's  fkin,  v/hich 
being  taken  whole  from  the  body,  and  filled  with 
wind,  on  being  compreflTed  made  a  fqueaking  noife 
through  a  Imall  piece  of  wood  organically  formed 
and  fixed  in  its  mouth.  When  this  inftrument  was 
prefented  to  the  face  of  any  of  the  company,  and  the 
found  emitted,  the  peri^jn  receiving  it  inftantly  fell 
down  to  appearance  dead.  Sometimes  two  or  threfj,. 
both  men  and  women,  were  on  the  grjund  toge- 
ther; but  immediately  recovering,  they  rofe  up  and 
joined  again  in  the  dance.  This  feemed  to  alford, 
even  the  chiefs  themfelves,  infinite  diverfion.  I 
afterwards  learned  that  thefc  were  their  Dii  Penates 
or  Houfehold  Gods, 


l8o 


'"ARVER**    TRAVELS. 


^ 


After  fon^c  hours  fpcnt  in  this  manner  the  feaft 
began}  the  dishes  being  brought  near  me,  I  per- 
ceived that  they  confiftcd  of  dog's  flefh;  and  I  was 
informed  that  at  all  their  public  grand  feafts  they  ne- 
ver made  ufc  of  any  other  kind  of  food.  For  this 
purpofc,  at  the  fealt  I  am  now  fpeaking  of,  the  new- 
candidate  provides  fat  dogs,  if  they  can  be  procqrcd, 
at  any  price. 

In  this  cuftora  of  eating  dog*s  flefli  on  particular 
occafions,  they  rcfemble  the  inhabitants  of  fonjc  of 
the  countries  that  lie  on  the  north-eaft  borders  of 
Afia.  The  author  of  the  account  of  Kamfchatka, 
publifhed  by  order  of  the  Emprefs  of  Ruffia  (before 
referred  to)  informs  us,  that  the  people  inhabiting 
koreka,  a  country  north  of  Kamfchatka,  who  wan- 
der about  in  hordes  like  the  Arabs,  when  they  pay 
their  worfliip  to  the  evil  beings,  kill  a  rein-deer  or 
a  dog,  the  nefh  of  which  they  eat,  and  leave  the 
head  and  tongue  flicking  on  a  pole  with  the  front  to- 
wards the  ealt.  Alfo  that  when  they  are  afraid  of 
any  infedious  diftemper,  they  kill  a  dog,  and  wind- 
ing the  guts  about  two  poles,  pafs  between  them. 
Thefecuftoms,  in  which  they  arc  nearly  imitated 
by  the  Indians,  feem  to.  add  ftrength  to  my  fuppo- 
fition,  that  America  was  firft  peopled  f^rom  this 
quarter. 

I  know  not  under  what  clafs  of  dances  to  rank 
that  performed  by  the  Indians  who  came  to  my  tent 
when  I  landed  near  Lake  Pepin,  on  the  banks  of  the 
M ifliffippi,  as  related  in  my  Journal.  When  I  look- 
ed but,  as  I  there  mentioned,  I  faw  about  twenty 
naked  young  Indians,  the  moft  perfeft  in  their  Ihape, 
ahd  by  far  the  handfomeft-  of  any  I  had  ever  fecn, 
coming  towards  me,  and  dancing  as  they  approached, 
\o  the  mufic  of  their  drums.  At  every  ten  or  twelve 
yards  they  halted,  and  fet  up  their  yells  and  cries. 


CARVE 


R'« 


TRAVEL  Ss 


Iff 


When  th?y  reached  my  tent,  Ia(kcdthe;n  to  coipc 
in;  which,  without  deigning  to  make  me  any  anf^tir, 
they  di^.  As.  I  obfervcd  that  they,  were  painted  red 
and  black,  as  they  ufually  are  when  they.go  againil 
an  enemy,  and  perceived  that  fome  parts  of  the  war- 
dance  were  intermixed  with  their  pther  movements, 
I  doubted  not  but  they  were  fct  on  by  the  inimical 
chief  who  had  refufed  my  falutation :  I  thcreiqrc  de- 
termined to  fcll:my  life  as  dear  as  poflTible.  Xo  this 
purpofc,  I;  received  them  fitting  on  my  cheft,  with 
my  gun  and  piftols  be  fide  me,  and  orderpd  my  men 
to  keep  a.wAtchfu]  eye  on  them,  and  to  be;  alfo  upon 
their  guard. 

The  Indians  being  entered,  they  continued  their 
dance  alternately,  finging  at  the  fame  time  of  their 
heroic  exploits,  and  the  fuperioricy  of  their  race  over 
every  other  people.  To  enforce  their  language* 
thpM^h  it  was  uncommonly  nervous  and  exprefiivc, 
and  fuch  as  would  of  itfelf  have  carried  tfrrior  to  the 
firmed  heart,  at  the  end  of  every  period  they  ftruck 
their  war- clubs  againfl:  the  poles  of  my  tent,  with 
fuch  violence,  thati  cxpeftcd  every  moment  it  would 
havp  tumbled  upon  us.  As  each  of  them,  in  danc- 
ing round,  palfed  by.  me,  they  placed  their  right 
hands  oyer  their  eyes,  and  coming  clofe  to  me,  lookr 
ed  me  fte.adily  in  the  face,  which  I  could  not  con- 
ftrup,  into  a  token  of  friendfliip.  My  men  gave 
thepifelvea  up  for.lofl:,  and  I  acknowledge,  for  my 
own  part,  that  I  never  found  my  apprehcnfior."  more 
tumultuous  on  any  occafion. 

When  they  had  nearly  ended  their  dance,  Ipre- 
fented  to  them  the  pipe  of  peace,  but  they  would 
not  receive  it.  I  then,  as  my  laft  refource,  thought 
I  would  try  what  prefents  would  do;  accordingly  I 
took  from  my  cheft  fome  ribands  and  trinkets,  which 
I  laid  before  them*     Thefc  feemed  to  ftagger  their 


t8» 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


rcfolutions,  and  to  avert  in  Tome  degree  their  anger; 
for  after  holding  a  confultation  together,  they  fat 
down  on  the  ground,  which  I  confidered  as  a  favor- 
able omen. 

Thus  it  proved,  as  in  a  Ihort  time  they  received 
the  pipe  of  peace,  and  lighting  it,  firft  prefented  it 
to  me,  and  then  fmoked  with  it  themfclves.  Soon 
after  they  took  up  the  prcfcnts,  which  had  hitherto 
lain  negfefted,  and  appearing  to  be  greatly  pleafed 
with  them,  departed  in  a  friendly  manner.  And 
never  did  I  receive  greater  pleafure  than  at  getting 
rid  of  fuch  formidable  gucfts. 

It  was  not  ever  in  my  power  to  gain  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  defigns  of  my  vifitors.  I  had  fuf- 
ficient  reafon  to  conclude  that  they  were  hoftile, 
and  that  their  vifit,  at  fo  late  an  hour,  was  made 
through  the  inftigation  of  the  Grand  Sautor  j  but  I 
was  afterwards  informed  that  it  might  be  intended  as 
a  compliment  which  they  ufually  pay  to  the  chiefs 
of  every  other  nation  who  happen  to  fall  in  with 
them,  and  that  the  circumftances  in  their  condudt, 
which  had  appeared  fo  fufpicious  to  me,  were  merely 
the  effeds  of  their  vanity,  and  defigned  to  imprefs  . 
on  the  minds  of  thofe  whom  they  thus  vifited  an 
elevated  opinion  of  their  valor  and  prowefs.  In  the 
morning  before  I  continued  my  route,  feveral  of 
their  wives  brought  me  a  prefent  of  fomc  fugar,  for 
whom  I  found  a  kw  more  ribands. 

The  dance  of  the  facrifice  is  not  fo  denominated 
from  their  offering  up  at  the  fame  time  a  facrifice 
to  any  good  or  evil  fpirit,  but  is  a  dance  to  which 
the  Naudowefiics  g've  that  title  from  being  ufed 
when  any  public  fortunate  circumftance  befals 
them.  Whilft  I  refided  among  them,  a  fine  large 
deer  accidentally  IVrayed  into  the  rpiddle  of  their 


G  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


i»l 


encampment,  which  they  foon  deflroyed.  As  this 
happened  jull  at  the  new  moon,  they  eftcemed  it  a 
lucky  omen;  and  having  roafted  it  whole,  every 
one  in  the  camp  partook  of  it.  After  their  ftarf, 
they  all  joined  n  a  dance,  which  they  termed,  from 
its  being  fomewhat  of  a  religious  nature,  a  dance  of 
the  facrificc. 


^4 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 


Of  their  Hunting, 


J[j[UNTINGis  the  principal  occupation 
of  the  Indians  they  are  trained  to  it  from  their  carlicft 
youth,  and  it  is  an  cxercife  which  is  afteemrd  no  lefs 
honorable  than  necelTary  towards  their  fubfiftence. 
A  dexterous  and  refolute  hunter  is  held  nearly  in 
as  great  eilimation  by  them  as  a  diftinguiflied  war- 
Scarcely  any  device  which  the  ingenuity  of 


nor. 


man  has  difcovered  for  enfnaringor  deftroying  thofe 
animals  that  fupply  them  with  food,  or  whofe  (kins 
are  valuable  to  Eur  oeans,  is  unknown  to  them. 


Whilft  they  are  engaged  in  this  exercife  they  (hake 
off  the  indolence  peculiar  to  their  nature,  and  be- 
conie  adbive,  perfevering,  and  indefatigable.  They 
are  equally  fagacious  in  finding  their  prey,  and  in 
the  means  they  ufe  to  deftroy  it.  They  difccrn  the 
footfteps  of  the  beafts  they  are  in  purfuit  of,  al- 
though they  are  imperceptible  to  every  other  eye, 
and  can  follow  them  with  certainty  through  the  path- 
lefs  foreft. 
I 

The  beafts  that  the  Indians  hunt,  both  for  their 
flelh  on  which  they  fubfift,  and  for  their  Ikins,  of 
which  they  either  make  their  apparel,  or  barter  with 
the  Europeans  for  neceffaries,  are  the  buffalo,  the 
elk^thc  deer,  the  moofe,  carribboo,  the  bear,  the 
beaver,  the  otter,  the  marten,  &c.     I  defer  giving 


CARVER'S    T  R  A  V'E  L  S. 


•I 
f 

l8f , ' 


jiW- 


a  defcription  of  thcfe  creatures  here,   and  fliall  only 
at  prefent  treat  of  their  manner  of  hunting  them. 

The  route  they  fliall  take  for  this  purpofe,  andtho 
parties  that  fliall  go  on  the  different  expeditions  arc 
fixed  in  their  general  councils,  which  are  held  fomc 
time  in  the  fummer,  when  all  the  operations  for  the 
enfuing  winter  are  concluded  on.  Tiic  chief-war- 
rior, whofe  province  it  i  j  to  regulate  their  proceed- 
ings on  this  occafion,  with  great  folcrtinity  iffues  out 
an  invitation  to  thofe  who  ehoofe  to  attend  him  j 
for  the  Indians,  as  before  obferved,  acknowledg;e  no 
fuperiority,  nor  have  they  any  idea  of  eompulfion  ; 
and  every  one  that  accepts  it  prepares  himfelf  by 
fafl:ing  during  fcveral  days. 

The  Indians  do  notfifl:  as  fome  other  nations  do, 
on  the  richeft  and  moft  luxurious  food>  btit  they  to- 
tally abftain  from  every  kind  either  of  viduals  or 
drink  ;  and  fuch  is  their  patience  and  refolution,  that 
the  moft  extreme  thirft  could  not  oblige  them  to 
tafteadrop  of  water;  yet  amidft  this  f:;vcre  ab- 
ftinence  they  appear  cheerful  and  happy. 

The  reafons  they  gi\^c  for  thus  faftiilg,  are,  that  it 
enables  them  freely  to  dream,  in  whichdrcams  they 
are  informed  where  they  fliall  find  the  greateft  plenty 
of  game  i  and  alfo  that  it  averts  the  difpleafurc  of  the 
evil  fpirits,  and  induces  them  to  be  propitious.  They 
alfo  on  thefe  o<;cafions  blacken  thofe  parts  of  their 
bodies  that  are  uncQvered. 

The  faft  being  ended,  and  the  place  of  hunting 
made  known,  the  chief  who  is  to  condud  them, 
gives  a  grani  fead  to  thofe  whg  are  to  form  the  dif* 
lercnc  parties  j  of  which  non^  of  them  dare  to.  par- 
take till  they  have  bathed  themfqlvq^.  At  this  flJift, 

A  a 


>Ji 


% 


> 


i86 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


liotwithftandrng  they  have  failed  fo  long,  they  eat 
with  great  moderation  ;  and  the  chief  that  prefides 
employs  himfelf  in  rehearfmg  the  feats  of  thofe  who 
have  been  moil  fucccfsful  in  the  bufinefs  they  are 
about  to  enter  upon.  They  foon  after  fet  out  on 
the  march  towards  the  place  appointed,  painted  or 
rather  bcdawbcd  wich  black,  amidft  the  acclama- 
tions of  all  the  people. 

It  is  impoffible  to  clcfcribe  their  agility  or  perfevc- 
rance,  whilft  they  are  in  purfuit  of  their  prey  j  neither 
thickets,  ditches,  torrents,  pools, or  rivers  ftop  them; 
they  always  go  ftraight  forward  in  the  moll  dired 
line  they  poffibly  can,  and  there  are  few  of  the  fa- 
vage  inhabitants  of  the  woods  that  they  cannot  over- 
take. 

When  they  hunt  for  bears,  they  endeavour  to 
find  out  their  retreats  j  for,  during  the  winter,  thefe 
aniinals  conceal  themfelves  in  the  hollow  trunks  of 
trees,  or  make  themfelves  holes  in  the  ground,  where 
they  coFitinuc  without  food,  whilll  the  fev ere  weather 
lafts. 

'  When  the  Indians  think  they  have  arrived  at  a 
place  where  thefe  creatures  ufually  haunt,  they  form 
themfelves  into  a  circle  according  to  their  number, 
and  moving  onward,  endeavour,  as  they  advance  to- 
wards the  centre,  to  difcover  the  retreats  of  their 
prey.  Bythi?  means,  ifanyliein  the  intermediate 
fpace,  ihcy  are  fure  of  aroufmg  them,  and  bringing 
them  down  either  with  their  bows  or  their  guns.  The 
be;rs  willtakc  to  flight  at  light  of  a  man  or  a  dog, 
and  will  only  make  rcfillance  when  they  arc  ex* 
'     tremtly  hungry,  or  after  thtyaie  wounded. 

The  Indian  method  of  hunting  the  buffalo  is  by 
forming  a  circle   or  a.  fqt'arc,  nearly  in   the   fame 


CARVER •«    TRAVELS. 


I«7 


manner  arf  when  they  fearch  for  the  bear.  Having 
taken  their  different  ftations,  they  ftt  the  grafs,  which 
at  this  time  is  rank  and  dry^  on  Bre,  and  thefe  ani- 
mals, who  arc  extremely  fearful  of  that  clement, 
flying  with  precipitation  before  it,  great  numbers  arc 
hemmed  in  a  fmall  compafs,  and  fcarcely  a  fi  glc 
one  cfcapes. 

They  have  different  ways  of  hunting  the  elk,  the 
deer,  and  the  carribboo.  Sometimes  they  feck  them 
out  in  the  woods,  to  which  they  ^etirc  during  the 
feverity  of  the  cold,  where  they  are  eafily  fhot  front 
behind  the  trees.  In  the  more  northern  climates 
they  take  the  advantage  of  the  weather  to  deftroy 
the  elk  }  when  the  fun  has  jull  Itrength  enough  to 
melt  the  fnow,  and  the  froft  in  the  night  forms  a 
kind  of  cruft  on  the  furface,  this  creature  being 
heavy,  breaks  it  with  his  forked  hoofs,  and  with  dit'- 
ficulty  extricates  himfelf  from  it :  at  this  time  there- 
fore he  is  foon  overtaken  and  deftroyed. 

Some  nations  have  made  a  method  of  hunting 
thefe  animals  which  is  more  eafily  executed,  and  free 
from  danger.  The  hunting  party  divide  themfelves 
into  two  bands^  and  choofing  a  fpot  near  the  bor- 
ders of  fame  river,  one  party  embarks  on  beard 
their  canoes,  whilfl  the  other  forming  themfelves  in- 
to a  fcmi-circlc,  on  the  land,  the  flanks  of  which 
reach  the  fhore,  let  loofc  their  dogs,  and  by 
this  means  roufe  all  the  game  that  lies  within  thefe 
bounds  J  they  then  drive  them  towards  the  river,  in^ 
to  which  they  no  fooncr  enter,  than  the  greateft 
part  of  them  are  immediately  difpatchcd  by  thofe 
who  remain  in  the  canoes. 

Both  the  elk  and  buffalo  are  very  fu^,iouitwhen they 
arc  wounded,  and  will  return  fiercely  kMijthcinpmv 
fuers,  and  trample  them  under  their  fcfft>  if'the£iia*» 


Ill 


C  A  R  V  E  R»8    TRAVELS. 


ter  finds  no  means  to  complete  their  deftru6lion,  or 
does  not  feek  for  fecurity  in  flight  to  fome  adjacent 
tree  ;  by  this  method  they  arc  frequently  avoided, 
and  fo  tired  with  the  purfuit^  that  they  voluntarily 
give  it  over. 

But  the  hunting  in  which  the  Indians,  particularly 
thofe  who  inhabit  the  northern  parts,  chiefly  employ 
the mfdves,  and  from  which  they  reap  the  greattft 
advantage,  is  the  beaver  hunting.  The  feafon  for 
this  is  throughout  the  whole  of  the  winter,  from 
November  to  April  }  duiing  which  time  the  fur  of 
thefe  creatures  is  in  the  greatcft  perfe6tion.  A  de- 
Icription  of  this  extraordinary  animal,  the  confl:ruc- 
tion  of  their  huts,  and  the  regulations  of  their  almoll 
rational  community,  I  (hall  give  in  a^nother  place. 

The  hunters  make  ufc  of  feveral  methods  to  de- 
ftrny  them.  Thofe  generally  praiftifed,  arc  either 
that  of  taking  them  in  fnares,  cutting  through  the 
ice,  or  opening  their  caufeways. 

As  the  eyes  of  thefe  animals  arc  Very  quick,  and 
their  hearing  exceedingly  acute,  great  precaution  lis 
neccflary  in  approaching  their  abodes  j  for  as  they 
feldom  go  far  from  the  water,  and  their  houfes  are  al- 
ways built  clofe  to  the  fide  of  fomc  large  river  or 
lake,  or  dams  of  their  own  coiiftrufting,  upon  the 
lead  alarm  they  hafl:en  to  the  d::epeft  part  of  the 
water,  and  dive  immediately  to  the  bottom  ;  as  they 
d^o  this  they  make  a  great  noife  by  beating  the  water 
with  their  tails,  on  purpofc  to  put  thtf  whole  fraternity 
on  their  guard. 

They  take  them  with  fnares  in  the  following 
tnaoneii  i/thoiigh  the  beavers  ufually  lay  up  a  fuffi- 
iaaqtiftdrericrf"  provifion  tofervc  for' their  fubfiflencc 
crpah^tche  winKcr,thcyniake  from  time  to  time  excur- 


ha 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s    T  R  A  V  E  L  S-  :^ 

fions  to  the  neighbouring  woods  to  procure  further 
fupplies  of  food.  The  hunters  having  found  out  their 
haunts,  place  a  trap  in  their  way,  baited  with  fmall 
pieces  of  bark,  or  young  Ihoots  of  tree?,  which  the 
beaver  has  no  fooner  laid  hold  of,  than  a  large  log  of 
wood  falls  upon  him,  and  breaks  his  back  j  his  ene- 
mies, who  are  upon  the  watch,  foon  appear^,  and  in- 
flantly  difpatch  the  helpkfs  animal. 

V  ■  ■       - 

At  other  tines,  when  the  ice  on  the  rivers  and 
lakes  is  about  half  a  foot  thick,  they  make  an  open- 
ing through  it  with  their  hatchets,  to  which  the 
beavers  will  foon  haften,  on  being  difturbed  at  their 
houfes,  for  a  fupply  of  frcfh  air.  As  their  breath 
occafions  a  confiderable  motion  in  the  water,  the 
hunter  has  fufficient  notice  of  their  approach,  and 
.methods  ^re  eafily  taken  for  knocking  them  on  the 

head  the  moment  they  appear  above  the   furface. 

....  ,1      ■ 

When  the  houfeof  the  beavefs  happen  to  be  near 
a  rivulet,  they  are  more  eafily  deftroyed :  the  hun- 
ters then.>cut  the  ice,  and  fpreading  a  net  under  it, 
break  down  the  cabins  of  the  beavers,  who  never 
fail  to  make  towards  the  deepefl  part,  T^here  chey  are 
entangled  and  taken.  But  they  mud  not  be  fufFered 
to  remain  there  long,  as  they  would  foon  extricate 
themfeives  with  their  teeth,  which  are  weil  known  to 
be  exceflively  fharp  and  ftrong. 

The  Indians  take  great  care  to  hinder  their  dogs 
from  touching  the  bones  of  the  beavers.  The  rea- 
fons  they  give  for  thefe  precautions,  are,  firft,  that 
the  bones  are  fo  exceflively  hard,  that  they  fpoil  the 
teeth  of  their  dogs :  and,  fecondly,  that  they  are 
apprehenfive  they  fhall  fo  exafperate  the  fpirits  of 
the  beavers  by  this  permiffion,  as  to  render  the  next 
hunting  feafon  unfuccefsful. 


I90 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


The  (kins  of  thefe  animals  thw  hunters  exchange 
\vith  the  Europeansr  for  necefTarics,  and  as  they  are 
more  valued  by  the  latter  than  any  other  kind»<of 
furs,  they  pay  the  greateft  attention  to  this  fpecies 
of  hunting. 

When  the  Indians  deftroy  buffaloes,  elks,  deer, 
&c.  they  generally  divide  the  fiefh  of  fu(h  as  they 
have  taken  among  the  tribe  to  which  they  belong. 
But  in  huntir^g  the  beaver  a  few  families  ufually 
unite  and  divide  the  fpoil  between  them.  Indeed,  in 
the  iiril  inftance  they  generally  pay  fome  attention 
in  the  divifion  to  thtir  own  families :  but  no  jealou- 
fies  or  murmuring*  are  ever  known  to  arife  on  ac- 
count of  any  apparent  partiality. 

Among  the  NaudowefTies,  if  a  perfon  (hoots  a  deer, 
buffaloe,  &c.  and  it  runs  to  a  confiderable  diflance 
before  it  drops,  where  a  perfon  belonging  to  another 
tribe,  being  nearer,  f. .  fl  iik  ks  a  knife  into  it,  the 
game  is  confidered  as  the  property  of  the  Ijitter,  not- 
withflanding  it  had  been  mcrtally  wounded  by  the 
former.  Though  this  cuilom  appears  to  be. arbitrary 
and  unjud,  yet  that  people  cheerfully  fubmit  to  it. 
This  decifion  is,  however,  very  different  from  that 
pra6tifed  by  the  Indians  on  the  back  of  the  colonies, 
where  the  firfl  perfon  that  hits  it  is  entitled  to  the 
beft  fhare.  i 


fc*  * 


CARVER'j    TRAVELS. 


191 


CHAPTER    IX. 


Of  their  manner  of  making  ll^ar^  t^c. 


T 


HE  Indians  begin  to  bear  arms  at  the  age 
of  fifteen,  and  lay  them  afide  when  they  arrive  at  the 
age  of  fixty.  Some  nations  to  the  fouthward,  I  have 
been  informed,  do  not  continue  their  military  exer- 
cifes  after  they  are  fifty. 

In  every  band  or  nation  there  is  a  Teleft  number 
who  are  ftiled  the  wa-  riors,  and  who  are  always  rea- 
dy to  aft  eitlver  oflfenfively  or  defenfively,  as  occafion 
requires.  Thefe  are  well  armed,  bearing  the  wea- 
pons commonly  in  ufe  among  them,  which  vary  ac- 
cording to  the  fituation  of  their  countries.  Such  as 
have  an  intercourfe  with  the  Europeans  make  ufe  of 
tomahawks,  knives,  and  fire-arms  ;  but  thofe  whofe 
dwellings  are  fituated  to  the  weflward  of  the  Mifliffip- 
pi,  and  who  have  not  an  opportunity  of  purchafing 
thefe  kinds  of  weapons,  ufe  bows  and  arrows,  and, 
alfo  the  Gaffe  Tete  or  War-Club. 

The  Indians  that  inhabit  ftill  further  to  the  weft- 
ward,  a  country  which  extends  to  the  South  Sea,  ufe 
in  fight,  a  warlike  inftrument  that  is  very  uncom- 
mon. Havipg  great  plenty  of  hgrfes  they  always  at- 
tack their  enemies  on  horfeback,  and  encumber 
themfelves  with  no  other  weapon,  than  a  ftone  of  a 
middling  fize,  curioufly  wrought,  which  they  faften 
ly  a  firing,  about  a  yard  and  a  half  long,  to  their 
right  arms',  a  little  above  the  elbow,     Thefe  flones 


192 


C  A  R  V  E  R'3    TRAVELS. 


they  conveniently  carry  in  their  hands,  till  they 
reach  their  enemies,  and  then  fvvinging  them  with 
great  dexterity,  as  they  ride  full  fpeed,  never  fail  of 
doing  execution.  The  country  which  thefe  tribes 
poffefs,  abounding  with  large  extenfive  plains,  thofe 
who  attack  them  feldom  return  ;  as  the  fwiftnefs  of 
the  horfes,  on  which  they  are  mounted,  enables  them 
to  overtake  even  the  fleeted  of  their  invaders. 

The  Naudovveflies,  who  had  been  at  war  with  this 
people,  informed  me,  that  unlefs  they  found  moraf- 
fesor  thickets  to  which  they  could  retire,  they  were 
fure  of  being  cut  off:  to  prevent  this  they  always 
took  care  whenever  they  ma  le  an  onl'et,  to  do  it  ntar 
fuch  retreats  as  were  impaffable  for  cavalry,  they 
then  having  a  great  advantage  over  their  enemies, 
whofe  weapons  would  not  there  reach  them. 

Some  nations  make  ufe  of  a  javelin,  pointed  with 
bone,  worked  into  different  forms  j  but  their  Indian 
weapons  m  general  are  bows  and  arrows,  and  the 
Jliort  club  already  mentioned.  The  latter  is  made 
of  a  very  hard  wood,  and  the  head  of  it  falhioned 
round  like  a  ball,  about  three  inches  and  a  half  dia- 
meter ;  in  this  rotund  part  is  fixed  an  edge  refem- 
bling  that  of  a  tomahawk,  either  of  fteel  or  flint, 
whichfoever  they  can  procure. 

The  dagger  is  peculiar  to  the  Naudoweffie  nation, 
and  of  ancient  conftrudion,  but  they  can  give  no  ac- 
count how  long  it  has  been  in  ufc  among  them.  It 
was  originally  made  of  flint  or  bone,  but  fince  they 
Iiave  had  communication  with  the  European  traders, 
they  have  formed  it  of  fl:efl.  The  length  of  it  is  about 
ten  inches,  and  that  part  clofe  to  the  handle  nearly 
th.reeinches  bioad.  Its  edges  are  keen,  and  it  gradu- 
ally tap(?rs  towards  a  point.  They  wear  it  in  a 
Ihcath  made   of  dire: '3  leather,  re.tt!v  ornamented 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


193 


with  porcupine  quills  -,  and  it  is  ufually  Kung  by  a 
ftring,  decorated  in  the  fame  manner,  which  reaches 
as  lov/  only  as  the  breaft.  This  curious  weapon  is 
worn  by  a  few  of  the  principal  chiefs  alone,  anH 
confidercd  both  as  an  ufcful  intlrument,  and  an  or- 
namental badge  of  fuperiority. 

lobferved  among  the  NaudowefTies  a  few  targets 
or  ihicld?  made  of  raw  buffalo  hides,  and  in  the  form 
of  thofe  ufed  by  the  ancients.  But  as  the  mumber 
of  thefe  was  fmall,  and  I  could  not  gain  no  intelli- 
gence of  the  aera  in  which  they  firft  were  introduced 
amon^  them.  I  fuppofe  thofe  I  faw  had  defcended 
from  father  to  fon  for  many  generations. 

The  reafons  the  Indians  give  for  making  war 
againft  one  another,  are  much  the  fam£  as  thofe 
urged  by  more  civilized  nations,  for  difturbingthe 
tranquillity  of  their  neighbours.  The  pleas  of  the 
former  arc  however  in  general  more  rational  and 
juft,  than  fuch  as  are  brought  by  Europeans  in  vin- 
dication of  their  proceedings. 

The  extenfion  of  empire  is  feldom  a  motive  with 
thefe  people  to  invade,  and  to  commit  depredations 
on  the  territories  of  thofe  who  happen  to  dwell  near 
them.  To  fecure  the  rights  of  hunting  within  par- 
ticular limits,  to  maintain  the  liberty  of  palling 
through  their  accuftomed  tracks,  and  to  guard  thofe 
lands  which  theyconfider  from  a  long  tenure  as  their 
own,  againft  any  infringement,  are  the  general  caufes 
of  thofe  diffcnfions  that  fo  often  break  out  between 
the  Indian  nations,  and  which^are  carried  on  with  fo 
much  animofity. 

Though  ftrangers  to  the  idea  of  feparatc  property 
yet  the  mo/l  uncultivated  among  them  are  well  ac- 

Bb^ 


*"■ 


194 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


quaintcd  with  the  rights  of  their  community  to  the 
domains  they  poffers,  and  oppofe  with  vigor  every 
encroachment  on  them. 

Notwithflanding  it  is  generally  fuppofed  that  from 
their  territories  being  Co  extenfive,  the  boundaries  of 
them  cannot  be  aiccrtained,  yet  I  am  well  affured 
that  the  limits  of  each  nation  in  the  interior  parts  are 
laid  down  in  their  rude  plans  with  great  precifion. 
By  theirs,  as  I  have  before  obferved,  was  I  enabled 
to  regulate  my  ownj  and  after  the  moft  cxaft  ob- 
fervations  and  inquiries  found  very  few  inftanccs  in 
which  they  erred. 

But  intered  is  not  either  the  moft  frequent  or 
moft  powerful  incentive  to  their  making  war  on 
each  other.  The  pafiion  of  revenge,  which  is  the 
diftinguifhing  charafleriftic  of  thefc  people,  is  the 
moft  general  motive.  Injuries  are  felt  by  them 
with  exquifite  fenfibility,  and  vengeance'  purfued 
with  unremitted  ardor.  To  this  may  be  added, 
that  natural  excitation  which  every  Indian  becomes 
fenfible  of  as  foon  as  he  approaches  the  age  of 
manhood  to  give  proofs  of  his  valour  and  prowefs. 

As  they  are  early  poflcffed  with  a  notion  that  war 
ought  to  be  the  chief  bufmefs  of  their  lives,  that 
there  is  nothing  more  defiroiis  than  the  reputation 
of  being  a  great  warrior,  and  that  the  fcalps  of  their 
enemies,  or  a  number  of  prilbners  are  alone  to  be 
efteemed  valuable,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that 
the  younger  Indians  are  continually  reftlefs  and  un- 
cafy  if  their  ardor  is  reprefled,  and  they  are  kept  in 
a  (late  of  inaftivity.  Either  of  thefe  propenfities, 
the  defire  of  revenge,  or  the  gratification  of  an  im- 
pulfe,  thatby  degrees  becomes  habitual  to  them,  is 
fufficient,  frequently,  to  induce  them  to  commie 
hoftilities  on  fome  of  the  neighbouring  nations* 


f      CARVER'S     TRAVfeLS. 


;95 


When  the  chiefs  find  any  occafion  for  making 
war,  they  endeavour  to  aroyfe  thcfc  habitudes,  and 
by  that  means  foon  excite  their  warriors  to  take 
arms.  To  this  purpofe  they  make  ufe  of  their  mar- 
tial eloquence,  nearly  in  the  following  words,  v;hich 
never  fails  of  proving  efFe<^ual  J  **  The  bones  of  our 
"  deceafed  countrymen  lie  uncovered,  they  call  out 
to  us  to  revenge  their  wrongs,  and  we  mud  fa- 
tisfy  their  requrrft.  Their  fpirits  cry  out  againft 
us.  They  muft  be  appeafed.  The  genii,  v^hp 
arc  the  guardians  of  our  honor,  infpire  us  with 
"  arefolutioft  to  feek  the  enemies  of  our  murdered 
brothers.  Let  us  go  and  devour  thofe  by  whorn 
they  were  flain.  Sit  therefore  no  longer  inadlivc, 
give  way  to  the  impulfe  of  your  natural  valor, 
anoint  your  hair,  paint  your  faces,  fill  your  qui- 
vers, caufe  the  forefts  torefoundwith  your  fongs, 
confole  the  fpirits  of  the  (dead,,  and  tell  them  they 
fhall  be  revenged.'* 


<t 
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t( 


Animated  by  thefe  exhortations  the  warrior^ 
fnatch  their  arms  in  a  tranfport  of  fury,  fing  the  fong 
of  war,  and  burn  with  impatience  to  imbrue  their 
hands  in  the  blood  of  their  enemies. 


Sometimes  private  chiefs  alTemble  fmall  parties, 
and  make  excurfions  againft  thofe  with  whom  thty 
are  at  war,  or  fuch  as  have  injured  them.  A  fingle 
warrior,  prompted  by  revenge  or  a  defire  to  fliow 
his  prowefs,  will  march  unattended  for  feveral  hun- 
dred miles,  to  furprifc  and  cut  off  a  ftraggling  party. 

Thefe  irregular  fallies  however,  are  not  always 
approved  of  by  the  elder  chiefs,  though  they  are 
often  obliged  to  connive  at  them;  as  in  the  iniiaiice 
before  given  of  the  Naudoweffie  and  Chipev/ay 
nations. 


1^6 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s    T  R  A  V  E-L  S. 


But  when  a  war  is  national,  and  undertaken  by 
the  cummunity,  their  deliberations  are  formal  and 
flow.  The  elders  airembie  in  council,  to  which  all 
the  head  warriors  and  young  men  are  admitted, 
where  they  deliver  their  opinions  in  folemn  fpeeches, 
v/cighing  with  mat^jrity  the  nature  of  the  enterprife 
they  are  about  to  engage  in,  and  balancing,  with 
great  fagaciry  the  advantages  or  inconveniences  that; 
-will  arife  fi'om  it.  •       , 

Tlieir  pr lefts  are  alfo  confulted  on  the  fubjeft, 
and  even,  fometimcs,  the  advice  of  the  moft  intel- 
ligent of  their  women  is  afked. 

If  the  determination  be  for  war,  they  prepare  for 
it  with  much  ceremony. 

The  chief  warrior  of  a  nation  does  not  on  all  oci. 
rafions  head  the  war  party  himfelf,  he  frequently 
deputes  a  warrior  of  whofe  valor  and  prudence  he  has 
a  good  opinion.  The  perfon  thus  fixed  on  being 
tirft  bedawbed  with  black,  obferves  a  fail  of  feveral 
days,  during  which  he  invokes  the  Great  Spirit,  or 
deprecates  the  anger  of  the  evil  ones,  holding  whilfl: 
it  lafls  no  converfe  with  any  of  his  tribe. 

He  is  particularly  careful  ait  the  fame  time  tP  ob- 
ferve  his  dreams,  for  on  thefe  do  they  fuppofe  their 
iiaccefs  will  in  a  great  meafure  depend  j  and  from  the 
firm  perfuafion  every  Indian  aduated  by  his  own 
prefumptuous  thoughts  is  impreflcd  with,  that  he 
fhall  march  forth  to  certain  vi^hory,  thefc  arc  gene- 
rally favorable  to  bis  wilhes. 

After  he  has  failed  as  long  as  cuftom  prcfcribcs, 
lie  affemblcs  the  warriors,  and  holding  a  belt  of 
wampum  in  his  hand,  thus  addreffes  them; 


CARVE  R*s    TRAVELS. 


^97 


"  Brothers !  by  the  infpiration  of  the  Great  Spi- 
rit I  now  fpeak  unto  you,  and  by  him  2m  I 
prompted  to  carry  into  execution  the  intentions 
which  I  am  about  to  difclofe  to  you.  The  blood 
"  of  our  deceafed  brothers  is  not  yet  wiped  away; 
their  bodies  arc  not  yet  covered,  and  I  am  going 
to  perform  this  duty  to  them.  *' 


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Having  then  made  known  to  them  all  the  motives 
that  induce  him  to  take  up  arms  againft  the  nation 
with  whom  they  afre  to  engage,  he  fhus  proceeds; 
I  have  therefore  refolved  to  march  through  the 
war-path  to  furprife  them.  We  will  eat  their 
flefh,  and  drink  their  blood  j  we  will  take  fcalps, 
and  make  prifoners;  and  ihould  we  perifti  in  this 
glorious  enterprife,  we  ihall  not  be  for  ever  hid 
in  theduft,  for  this  belt  lliall  be  a  recompenfc  to 
to.  him  who  buries  the  dead."  Having  faid  this, 
he  lays  the  belt  on  the  ground,  and  he  who  takes  it 
up  declares  himfelf  his  lieutenant,  and  is  confidered 
as  the  fecond  in  commands  this,  however,  is  only 
done  by  fome  diftinguilhed  warrior  who  has  a  right 
by  thie  number  of  his  fcalps,  to  the  poft. 

Though  the  Indians  thus  aflert  that  they  will  eat 
the  flefli  and  drink  the  blood  of  their  enemies,  the 
threat  is  only  to  be  confidered  as  a  figurr.tivc  expref- 
fion.  Notwithftanding  they  fometimcs  devour  the 
hearts  of  thofe  they  flay,  and  drink  their  bood,  by 
way  of  bravado,  or  to  gratify  in  a  more  complete 
manner  their  revenge,  yet  they  are  not  naturally 
anthropophagi,  nor  ever  feed  on  the  flelh  of  men. 

The  chief  is  now  waflied  from  his  fable  covering, 
anointed  with  bear's  fat,  and  painted  with  their  red 
jpaint,  in  fuch  figures  as  will  make  him  appear  moft 
terrible  to  his  enemies.  He  then  fings  the  war  fc  ng, 
^Wi  enumerates  his  warlike  anions.     Having  done 


198 


CARVE  R*$    TRAVELS. 


this  he  fixes  his  eyes  on  the  fun,  and  pays  his  adora- 
tions to  the  Great  Spirit,  in  which  he  is  accompa- 
nied by  all  the  warriors. 

This  ceremony  is  followed  with  dances,  fuch  as  I 
have  before  defcribcdi  and  the  v/hole  concludes  with 
a  fcafl,  which  ufually  confifts  of  dog's  flclh. 

This  feaft  is  held  in  the  hut  or  tent  of  the  chief 
warrior,  to  which  all  thofe  who  intend  to  accom- 
pany him  in  his  expedition  fend  their  diflies  to  be 
filled;  and  during  the  feaft,  notwithftanding  he  has 
fafted  fo  long,  he  fits  compofcdly  with  his  pipe  in 
his  mouth,  and  recounts  the  valorous  deeds  of  his 
family. 

As  the  hopes  of  having  their  wounds,  fliouldthey 
receive  any,  properly  treated,  and  cxpeditioufly 
cured,  muft  be  fomc  additional  inducement  to  the 
warriors  to  expofe  themfelves  more  freely  to  danger, 
the  priefts,  who  are  alfo  their  dodtors,  prepare  fuch 
medicines  as  will  prove  efficacious.  With  great  ce- 
remony they  carry  various  roots  and  plants,  and  pre- 
tend that  they  impart  to  them  the  power  of  healing. 

Notwithftanding  this  fuperftitious  method  of  pro- 
ceeding, it  h  very  certain  they  have  acquired  a 
knowledge  of  many  plants  and  herbs  that  are  of  a 
medicinal  quality,  and  which  they  know  how  to  ufe 
with  great  (kill. 

From  the  time  the  refolution  of  engaging  in  a 
war  is  taken,  to  the  departure  of  the  warriors,  the 
nights  are  fpent  in  feftivity,  and  their  days  in  mak- 
ing the  needful  preparations. 

If  it  is  thought  necefTary  by  the  nation  going  to 
war,  to  folicit  the  alliance  of  any  neighbouring 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


199 


in  a 

,  the 

mak- 


tribe,  they  fix  upon  one  of  their  chiefs  who  fpeaks 
the  language  of  that  people  well,  and  who  is  a  good 
orator,  and  fend  to  them  by  him  a  belt  of  wampum, 
on  which  is  fpecified  the  purport  of  the  embaffy  in 
figures  that  every  nation  is  well  acquainted  with. 
At  the  fame  time  he  carries  with  him  a  hatchet 
painted  red. 

As  foon  as  he  reaches  the  camp  or  village  to  which 
he  is  deftined,  he  acquaints  the  chief  of  the  tribe 
with  the  general  tenor  of  his  commiffion,  who  im- 
mediately affembles  a  council,  to  which  the  ambaf-* 
fadoris  invited.  There  having  laid  the  hatchet  on 
the  ground  he  holds  the  belt  in  his  hand,  and  enters 
more  minutely  into  the  occafion  of  his  embaify. 
In  his  fpeech  he  invites  them  to  take  up  the  hatchet, 
and  as  foon  as  he  has  finished  fpeaking  delivers  the 
belt. 

If  his  hearers  are  inclined  to  become  auxiliaries  to 
his  nation,  a  chief  fteps  forward  and  takes  up  the 
hatchet,  and  they  immediately  efpoufe  with  fpirit 
the  caufe  they  have  thus  engaged  to  fupport.  But 
if  on  this  application  neither  the  belt  or  hatchet  arc 
accepted,  the  emiflary  concludes  that  the  people 
whofe  afliftance  he  folicits  have  already  entered  into 
an  alliance  with  the  foes  of  his  nation,  and  returns 
with  fpeed  to  inform  his  countrymen  of  his  ill  fuc- 
ccfs. 

The  manner  in  which  the  Indians  declare  war 
againft  each  other,  is  by  fending  a  flave  with  a 
hatchet,  the  handle  of  which  is  painted  red,  to  the 
nation  which  they  intend  to  break  with;  and  the 
mcffenger,  notwithftanding  the  danger  to  which  he 
is  expofcd  from  the  fudden  fury  of  thole  whom  he 
thus  fets  at  defiance,  executes  his  commiffion  with 
great  fidelity. 


200 


^.CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


Sometimes  this  token  of  defiance  has  fuch  an  in- 
ilantaneous  cffeft  on  thofc  to  whom  it  is  prefehted 
that  in  the  firft  tranfports  of  their  fury  a  fmall  party 
will  iflue  forth,  without  waiting  for  the  permiflion 
of  the  elder  chiefs,  and  flaying  the  firft  of  the  offend- 
ing nation  they  meet,  cut  open  the  body  and  flick 
a  hatchet  of  the  fame  kind  as  that  they  have  jufl  re- 
ceived, into  the  heart  of  their  flaughtereu  foe. 
Among  the  more  remote  tribes  this  is  done  with  an 
arrow  or  fpear,  the  end  of  which  is  painted  red. 
And  the  more  to  exafperatc,  they  dilmember  the 
body,  to  fhew  that  they  efteem  them  not  as  men 
but  as  old  women. 

The  Indians  feldom  take  the  field  in  large  bodies, 
as  fuch  numbers  would  require  a  greater  degree  of 
induflry  to  provide  for  their  fubfiflence,  during  their 
tedious  marches  through  dreary  forefts,  or  long 
voyages  over  lakes  and  rivers,  than  they  would  care 
to  beftow. 

Their  armies  arc  never  encumbered  with  baggage 
or  military  flores.  Each  warrior,  befides  his  wea- 
pons, carries  with  him  only  a  mat,  and  whilfl  at  a 
diflance  from  the  frontiers  of  the  enemy  fupports 
himftrlf  with  the  game  he  kills  or  the  fifh  he  catches. 

When  they  pafs  through  a  country  where  they 
have  n6  apprehcnfions  of  meeting  with  an  enemy, 
they  ufe  very  little  precaution :  fometimes  there  are 
fcarcely  a  dozen  warriors  left  together,  the  refl  be- 
ing difperftfd  in  purfuit  of  their  game  j  but  though 
they  fhouldhave  roved  to  avery  confiderable  diftance 
from  the  war-parth,  they  are  fure  to  arrive  at  the 
place  of  rendezvous  by  the  hour  appointed. 

They  always  pitch  their  tents  long  before  fun-fctj 
and^  being  naturally  prcfumptuous,   take  very  little 


.» 


t  #'■ 


CARVER'S    T  R  A  \^  E  L  S. 


lot 


long 


they 


ca.c  to  guard  againft  a  furprife.  They  place  great 
confidence  in  their  Manitoiis,  or  houfehold  gods, 
which  they  alwaj^s  carry  with  them;  and  being  per- 
fuadcd  that  they  take  upon  them  the  office  ot'ccn- 
tinels,  they  llecp  very  fecurely  under  their  pro- 
tedlion.  ' 

Thefe  Manitous,  as  they  arc  called  by  fomc  na- 
tions, but  which  are  termed  Wakons,  that  is,  fpi- 
rits,  by  the  Naudoweflies,  are  nothing  more  than 
the  otter  and  marten  fkins  I  have  r.lready  delbribedy 
for  which,  however,  they  have  a  great  veneration^ 

After  they  have  entered  the  enemy's  country, 
no  people  can  be  more  cautious  and  circumfpeftj 
fires  are  no  longer  lighted,  no  more  fhouting  is 
heard,  nor  the  game  any  longer  purfued.  They 
arc  not  even  permitted  to  fpeak;  but  mufl:  convey 
whatever  they  have  to  impart  to  each  other  by  figns 
and  motions. 

They  now  proceed  wholly  by  ftrafagcm  and  artt- 
bufcade.  Having  difcovered  their  enemiesy  they 
fend  to  reconnoitre  them;  and  a  council  is  immedi-' 
ately  held,  during  which  they  fpeak  only  in  whifpersy 
to  Gonfider  of  the  intelligence  imparted  by  thofe  who 
were  fent  out. 

The  attack  is  generally  made  juft  before  day 
break,  at  which  period  they  fuppofe  their  foes  to  be 
in  their  foundeft  fleep.  Throughout  the  whole  of 
the  preceding  n?ghr  they  will  lie  flat  upon  their 
faces,  without  ftirring;  and  make  their  approaches' 
in  the  fame  pofiure,  creeping  upon  their  hands  and- 
feet  till  they  they  are  got  within  bowihot  of  thofc 
they  have  deftined  to  deitrudlon.  On  a  fignal  given 
hy  the  chief  warrior,  to  which  the  whole  body  makes- 

Cc 


202 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


anfwer  by  the  moft  hideous  yells,  they  all  ftart  up^. 
and  difcharging  their  arrows  in  the  fame  inftant,^ 
without  giving  their  advcrfaries  time  to  recover  from 
the  confufion  into  which  they  are  thrown,  pour  in 
upon  them  widi  their  war-clubs  or  tomahawks. 

The  Indians  think  there  is  little  glory  to  be  ac- 
quired from  attacking  their  enemies  openly  in  the 
field  ;  their  greateft  pride  is  to  furprife  and  deftroy. 
They  A  Idom  engage  without  a  manifeft  appearance 
of  advantage.  If  they  find  the  enemy  on  their  guard,, 
too  ftrongly  entrenched,  or  fuperior  in  numbers,  they 
retire,  provided  their  is  an  opportunity  of  doing  fo. 
And  they  eftecm  it  the  greateft  qualification  of  a 
chief  warrior,  to  be  able  to  manage  an  attack,  fo  as 
to  deftroy  as  many  of  the  enemy  as  poffible,  al  the 
expence  of  a  few  men. 

Sometimes  they  fecure  themfelves  behind  trees, 
hillocks,  or  ftones,  and  having  given  one  or  two 
rounds  retire  before  they  are  difcovered.  Europeans, 
who  are  unacquainted  with  this  method  of  fighting 
too  cficn  find  to  their  coft  the  deftrudive  efficacy 
ofit.. 

General  Braddock  was  one  of  this  unhappy  num- 
ber. Marching  in  the  year  1755,  to  attack  Fort 
Du  Quefne,  he  was  intercepted  by  a  party  of  French 
and  confederate  Indians  in  their  intereft,  who  by  this 
infidious  method  of  engaging  found  means  to  defeat 
his  army,  which  confifted  of  about  two  thoufand 
brave  and  well  difciplined  troops.  So  fecurely  were 
the  Indians  pofted,  that  the  Englifti  fcarcely  knew 
from  whence  or  whcm  they  were  thus  annoyed. 
During  the  whole  of  the  engagement,  the  latter  had 
fcarcely  a  fight  of  an  enemy  ;  and  were  obliged  to- 
retreat  without  the  fatisfadion  of  beins:  able  to  take 
the  leaft   degree  of  revenge  for  the  havoc  made 


CARVER'S     T  R  A  V  E  I.  S. 


ii.Z 


among  them.  The  General  paid  for  his  rciiifrity 
with  his  life,  and  \v.is  accom})anied  in  his  fall  by  a 
great  number  of  brave  fellows  ;  whilfl  his  invifii)]^ 
enemies  had  only  two  or  three  of  their  number 
.wounded. 

When  the  Indians  fucceed  in  their-  fjKnt  ap- 
proaches, and  arc  able  to  force  the  camp  wliich  they 
attack,  a  fcene  of  horror  that  exceeds  defcription, 
enfucs.  The  Hivage  fiercenefs  of  the  conquerors, 
and  the  defperation  of  the  conquered,  who  well 
know  what  they  have  to  expefb  lliould  they  fall 
alive  into  the  hands  of  their  aflailants,  occafion  the 
moft  extraordinary  exertions  on  both  fides.  Tiie 
figure  of  the  combatants  all  befmeared  with  black 
and  red  paint,  and  covered  with  the  blood  of  the 
flain,  their  horrid  yells,  and  ungovernable  fury  are 
not  to  be  conceived  by  thofe  who  have  never  troflitd 
the  Atlantic. 

I  have  frequently  been  a  fpe6tator  of  them,  and 
■once  bore  a  part  in  a  fimilar  fcene.  But  wRat  ad- 
ded to  the  horror  of  it  was,  that  I  had  not  the  con- 
folation  of  being  able  to  oppofe  their  favage  attacks. 
Every  circumftance  of  the  adventure  ftill  dwells  on 
my  remembrance,  and  enables  me  to  defcribe  with 
greater  perfpicuity  the  brutal  fiercenefs  of  the  In- 
dians when  they  have  furprifed  or  overpowered  an 
enemy. 

As  a  detail  of  the  mafiacre  at  Fort  William  Henry 
in  the  year  1757,  the  fcene  to  which  I  refer,  can- 
not appear  foreign  to  the  defign  of  this  publications, 
but  will  ferve  to  give  my  readers  a  juft  idea  of  the 
ferocity  of  this  people,  I  Ihall  take  the  liberty  to  in- 
fert  it,  apologizing  at  the  ilmie  time  for  the  length  of 
the  diorreflion,  and  thofe  et^otifms  v/hich  the  relation 
lenders  unavoidable,  .    ». 


t^\ 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


General  Webb,  who  commanded  the  Englini 
army  in  North- America,  which  was  then  encamped 
at  Fort  Edward,  having  intelligence  that  the  French 
troops  under  Monf.  Montcalm  were  making  fome 
movements  towards  Fort  William  Heniy,  he  de- 
tached a  corps  of  about  fifteen  hundred  men,  con- 
fiding of  Knglifh  and  Provincials,  to  ftrengthen  the 
garrifon.  In  this  party  I  went  as  a  volunteer  among 
the  latter. 

The  apprehenfions  of  the  EnglilTi  General  were 
not  withou:  foundation  ;  for  the  day  after  our  arrival 
we  faw  Lake  George  (formerly  Lake  Sacrament)  to 
which  it  lies  ccnticuous,  covered  with  an  immenfe 
number  of  boats;  and  in  a  few  hours  we  found  our 
Jincs  attacked  by  the  French  General,  who  had  jufl: 
landed  with  eleven  thoufand  Regulars  and  Cana. 
dians,and  two  thoufand  Indians.  Colonel  Monro, 
a  brave  officer,  commanded  in  the  Fort,  and  had  no 
more  than  two  thoufand  three  hundred  men  with 
Jiim,  our  detachment  included. 

With  thefe  he  made  a  gallant  defence,  and  pro- 
bably would  have  been  able  at  lad  to  pref^rve  the 
Fort,  had  he  been  properly  fupported,  and  ^v^rmit- 
ted  to  continue  his  efforts.  On  every  fummons  to 
furrender  fent  by  the  French  General,  who  offered 
the  moft  honorable  terms,  his  anfwer  repeatedlyjwas, 
That  he  yet  found  himfelf  in  a  condition  to  repel 
the  moil  vigorous  attacks  his  befiegers  were  able  to 
make  J  and  if  he  thought  his  prefent  force  infuffi- 
cient,  he  could  foonbe  fupplied  with  a  greater  num^ 
ter  from  the  adjacent  army. 

But  the  Colonel  having  acquainted  General  Webb 

*wich  his  fituation,  and  defired   he  would  fend    hin> 

fome  frefh  troops,  the  Geneial  difpatcheda  meffen- 

jrer  to  him  with  ^  letter,  wherein  he    informed  hiiT^ 


CARVE  R'8    TRAVELS. 


205 


that  it  was  not  in  his  power  to  afTid  him,  and  there- 
fore gave  him  orders  to  furrender  up  the  Fort  on 
the  bcft  terms  he  could  procure.  This  packet  fell 
into  the  hands  of  the  French  General,  who  imme- 
diately fcnt  a  flag  of  truce,  defiring  a  conference  with 
the  governor. 

They  accordingly  met,  attended  only  by  a  fmall 
guard,  in  the  centre  between  the  lines  -,  when  Monf. 
Montcalm  told  the  Colonel,  that  he  was  come  in 
perfon  to  demand  poff-ffion  of  the  Fort,  as  it  belong- 
ed to  the  King  his  mafter.  The  Colonel  replied, 
that  he  knew  not  how  that  could  be,  nor  fhould  he 
furrender  it  up  whilft  it  was  in  his  power  to  de- 
fend it.  , 

The  French  General  rejoined,  at  the  fame  time 
delivering  the  packet  into  the  Colonel's  hand,  "  By 
*^  this  authority  do  I  make  the  requifition."  The 
brave  Governor  had  no  fooner  read  the  contents  of 
it,  and  was  convinced  that  fuch  were  the  orders  of 
the  cammander  in  chief,  and  not  to  be  difobeyed, 
than  he  hung  his  head  in  filence,  and  relu6bantly 
entered  into  a  negociation. 

In  confideration  of  the  gallant  defence  the  garrifon 
had  made,  they  were  to  be  permitted  to  march  out 
with  all  the  honors  of  war,  to  be  allowed  covered 
waggons  to  tranfport  their  baggage  to  Fort  Edward, 
and  a  guard  to  proteft  them  &om  the  fury  of  the  fa- 
vages. 

The  morning  after  the  capitulation  was  figned, 
as  foon  as  day  broke,  the  whole  garrifon,  now  con- 
fiding of  about  two  thoufand  men,  befides  women 
and  children,  were  drawn  up  withint  the  lines,  and 
on  the  point  of  marching  off*,  when  great  numbers 
p(  the  Indians  gathered  about,  and  began  to  plunder. 


'zo6 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


We  were  at  firfl:  in  hopes  that  this  was  their  only 
view,  and  fuffered  them  to  proceed  without  oppo- 
fition.  Indeed  it  was  not  in  oui  power  to  make 
any,  had  we  been  fo  inclined ;  for  though  we  were 
permitted  to  carry  off  our  arms,  yet  we  were  not 
allowed  a  fingle  round  of  ammunition.  In  thefe  hopes 
however  we  were  difappointed  :  for  prefently  fome 
of  them  began  to  attack  thefick  and  wounded,  when 
fuch  as  were  not  able  to  crawl  into  the  ranks,  not- 
withftanding  th^y  endeavoured  to  avert  the  fury  of 
their  enemies  by  their  fhrieks  or  groans,  were  foon 
difpatched. 

Here  wc  were  fully  in  expedlation  that  the  dif- 
turbance  wouldhave  concluded  j  and  our  little  army 
began  to  move ;  but  in  a  fhort  time  we  faw  the  front 
divifion  driven  back,  and  difsovered  that  we  were 
entirely  encircled  by  the  favages.  We  expelled 
every  moment  that  the  guaril,  which  the  French,  by 
the  articles  of  capitulation,  had  agreed  to  allow  us, 
would  have  arrived,  and  put  an  end  to  our  appre- 
henfions  ;  but  none  appeared.  The  Indians  now 
began  to  ftrip  every  one  without  exception  of  their 
arms  and  clothes,  and  thofe  who  made  the  lead  re- 
fiftance  felt  the  weight  of  their  tomahawks. 

I  happened  to  be  in  the  rear  divifion,  but  it  was 
nor  long  before  I  Ihared  the  fate  of  my  companions. 
Three  or  four  of  the  favages  laid  hold  of  me,  and 
whilft  fome  held  their  weapons  over  my  head,  the 
others  foon  difrobed  me  of  my  coat,  waiftcoat,  hat 
and  buckles,  omitting  not  to  take  from  me  what 
money  I  had  in  my  pocket.  As  this  was  tranfadled 
clofe  by  the  pafTage  that  led  from  the  lines  on  to  the 
plain,  near  which  a  French  centinel  waspofled,  Iran 
to  him  and  claimed  his  proteftion  ;  but  he  only 
called  mean  Eno-Iifli  doo;,  and  thrufl:  me  with  vio- 
lence  back  again  into  the  midil  of  the  Indians. 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


2oy 


I  now  endeavoured  to  join  a  body  of  our  troops  that 
^ere  crowded  together  at  fomc  diftance:  but  innu- 
merable were  the  blowc  that  were  made  at  me  with 
different  weapons  as  I  pafled  onj  luckily  however 
the  favages  were  fo  clofe  together,  that  they  could 
not  ftrike  at  me  without  endangering  each  other. 
Notwithstanding  which  one  of  them  found  means  to 
make  a  thruft  at  me  with  a  fpear,  which  grazed  my 
fide,  and  from  another  I  received  a  wound,  with  the 
fame  kind  of  weapon,  in  my  ankle.  At  length  I 
gained  the  fpot  where  my  countrymen  ftood,  and 
forced  myfelfinto  the  midft  of  them.  But  before  I 
got  thus  far  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  the  col- 
lar and  wriftbands  of  my  fhirt  were  all  that  remained 
of  it,  and  my  flelli  was  fcratched  and  torn  in  many 
places  by  their  favage  gripes. 

By  this  time  the  war  whoop  was  given,  and  the 
Indians  began  to  murder  thofe  that  were  neareft  to 
them  without  diftinftion.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of 
words  to  give  any  tolerable  idea  c^  the  horrid  fcenc 
that  now  enfucdi  men,  women,  and  children  were 
difpacched  in  the  moll  wanton  and  cruel  manner, 
and  immediately  fcalped.  Many  of  thcfe  favages 
drank  the  blood  of  their  vi6tims,  as  it  flowed  warm 
from  the  fatal  wound. 

We  now  perceived,  though  too  late  to  avail  usf 
that  we  were  to  exped  no  relief  from  the  French ; 
and  that,  contrary  to  the  agreement  they  had  fo 
lately  figned  to  allow  us  a  fufficient  force  to  proted 
us  from  thefe  infults,  they  tacitly  permitted  them ; 
for  I  could  plainly  perceive  the  French  officers  walk- 
ing about  at  fomc  diftance,  difcourfing  tof,ether 
with  apparent  unconcern.  For  the  honor  of  human 
nature  I  would  hope  that  this  flagrant  breach  of  eve- 
ry facred  law,  proceeded  rather  from  the  flwage  dii- 
pofition  of  the  Indiims,  which  I   acknowledge  it  is 


#5.'^ 


2o8 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


fomctimes  almoft  impoffible  to  control,  and  whicfi 
might  now  iinexpcdediy  have  arrived  to  a  pitch  not 
ealily  to  be  rcftrained,  than  to  any  premeditated  de- 
fign  in  the  French  commander.  An  unprejudiced 
obferver  would,  however,  be  apt  to  conclude,  that 
a  body  of  ten  thoufand  chriftian  troops,  moft  chrif- 
tian  troops,  had  it  in  their  power  to  prevent  the 
maflacre  from  becoming  fo  general.  But  whatever 
was  the  caufe  from  which  it  arofe,  the  confequences 
of  it  were  dreadful,  and  not  to  be  paralleled  in  mo- 
dern hiftory. 

As  the  circle  in  which  I  (tood  inclofed  by  this 
time  was  much  thinned,  and  death  feemed  to  be 
approaching  with  hafty  ftrides,  it  was  propofed  by 
fome  of  the  moft  refolute  to  make  one  vigorous  effort, 
and  endeavour  to  force  our  way  through  the  favages, 
the  only  probable  method  of  preferving  our  lives 
that  now  remained.  This,  however  defperatc,  was 
refolvcd  on,  and  about  twenty  of  us  fprung  at  once 
into  the  midft  of  them. 

In  a  moment  we  were  all  feparated,  and  what  was 
the  fate  of  my  companions  I  could  not  learn  till  fome 
months  after,  when  I  found  that  only  fix  or  feven  of 
them  efFedted  their  defign.  Intent  only  on  my  own 
hazardous  fituation,  I  endeavoured  to  make  my  way 
through  my  favage  enemies  in  the  beft  manner  pof- 
fible.  And  I  have  often  been  aftonilhed  fince,  when 
I  have  rccoUeded  with  what  compofure  I  took,  as 
I  did,  every  necefTary  ftep  for  my  prefervation. 
Some  I  overturned,  being  at  that  time  young  and 
athletic,  and  others  I  pafTed  by,  dextroufly  avoiding 
their  weapons ;  till  at  laft  two  very  ftout  chiefs,  of 
the  mol^  favage  tribes,  as  I  could  diftinguiHi  by  their 
dref*,  whofe  fircngth  I  could  not  refift,  laid  hold 
'  of  me  by  each  arm,  and  began  to  force  me  th4"ough 
the  crowd. 


'}*,  ♦».. 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


iocf 


'  I  now  rcfigned  myfclf  to  my  fate,  not  doubting 
but  that  tlicy  intended  to  difpatch  me,  and  then  to 
fatiate  their  vengeance  with  my  blood,  as  I  found 
they  were  hurrying  me  towards  a  retired  fwamp  that 
lay  at  fomc  diftance.  But  before  we  had  got  many- 
yards,  an  Englilh  gentleman  of  fome  diftinftion,  as 
I  could  difcover  by  his  breeches,  the  only  covering 
he  had  on,  which  were  of  fine  fcarlet  velvet,  ruflied 
clofc  by  us.  One  of  the  Indians  inftantly  relinquilhcd 
his  hold,  and  fpringing  on  this  new  obje6t,  endea- 
voured to  feize  him  as  his  prey;  but  the  gentleman 
being  ftrong,  threw  him  on  the  ground,  and  would 
probably  have  got  away,  had  not  he  who  held  my 
other  arm,  quitted  me  to  alTift  his  brother.  I  feizcd 
the  opportunity,  and  haftcned  away  to  join  another 
party  of  Englifh  troops  that  were  yet  unbroken, 
and  ftood  in  a  body  at  Ibme  diftance.  But  before  I 
had  taken  many  fteps,  I  haftily  caft  my  eye  towards 
the  gentleman,  and  Taw  the  Indian's  tomahawk  galh 
into  his  backj  and  heard  him  utter  his  laft  groanj 
this  added  both  to  my  fpeed  and  .dcfperation. 

I  had  left  this  fhocking  fcene  but  a  few  yards, 
when  a  fine  boy  about  twelve  years  of  age,  thac  had 
hitherto  cfcaped,  came  up  to  me,  and  begged  that  I 
would  let  him  lay  hold  of  me,  fo  that  he  might 
ftand  fome  chance  of  getting  out  of  phe  hands  of  the 
favages.  I  told  him  that  I  would  give  him  every 
affiftance  in  my  power,  and  to  this  purpofe  bid  him 
lay  hold;  but  in  a  few  moments  he  was  torn  from 
my  fide,  and  by  his  Ihrieksljudge  was  foon  demo- 
lifhed.  I  could  not  help  forgetting  my  own  cares 
for* a  minute,  to  lament  the  fate  of  fo  young  a  fuf- 
fereri  but  it  was  utterly  impcffible  for  me  to  take 
any  methods  to  prevent  it. 

I  now  got  once  more  into  the  midft  of  friends,  but 
wc  were  unable  to  afford  each  other  any  fuccour. 

Ddv. 


I« 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


As  this  was  the  divifion  that  had  advanced  the 
furtheft  from  the  fort,  I  thought  there  might  be  a 
pofiibility  (though  but  a  bare  one)  of  my  forcing  my 
way  through  the  outer  ranks  of  the  Indians,  and 
getting  to  a  neighbouring  wood,  which  I  perceived 
ac  fome  diftance.  I  was  ftill  encouraged  to  hope  by 
the  almoft  miraculous  prefcrvation  I  had  alread)^' 
experienced. 

Nor  were  my  hopes  in  vain,  or  the  efforts  I  made 
ineffedtual.  Suffice  to  fay,  that  I  reached  the  wood^ 
but  by  the  time  I  had  penetrated  a  little  way  into  it, 
iny  breath  was  fo  exhauftcd  that  I  threw  myfelf  into 
^  break,  and  lay  for  fome  niinutcs  apparently  at  the 
laft  gafp.  At  length  I  recovered  the  power  of  refpi- 
ration  j  but  my  apprehenfions  returned  with  all  their 
former  force,  when  I  faw  fevcral  favages  pafs  by, 
probably  in  purfuit  of  me,  at  no  very  great  diftance. 
In  this  fituation  I  knew  not  whether  it  was  better 
to  proceed,  or  endeavour  to  conceal  myfelf  where  t 
lay,  till  night  came  on  j  fearing,  however,  that  they 
would  return  the  fame  way,  I  thought  it  moft  pru- 
dent to  get  further  from  the  dreadful  fcene  of  my 
diftrelTes.  Accordingly,  Itriking  into  another  part 
of  the  wood,  I  haftened  on  as  faft  as  the  briers  and 
the  lofs  of  cne  of  my  flioes  would  permit  me;  and 
after  a  flow  progrefs  of  fome  hours,  gained  a  hill 
that  overlooked  the  plain  which  I  hadjuft  left,  from 
whence  I  coukl  difcern  that  the  bloody  ftorm  ftill 
raged  with  unabated  fury. 

But  not  to  t  jre  my  readers,  I  fhall  only  add,  that 
after  paffing  three  days  without  fubfiftence,  and  en- 
during the  ievcrity  of  the  cold  dews  for  three  nights, 
I  at  length  reached  Fort  Edward  i  where  with  pro- 
per care  my  body  foc/i  recovered  its  wonted  ftrcngth, 
and  my  mind,  as  far  as  the  recolkdion  of  the  late 
melancholy  <svcnts  would  permit,  its  ufual  compofure. 


CARVER'S    TRA>-ELS. 


H»»». 


It  wag  computed  that  fifteen  hundred  pcrfons  were 
killed  or  made  priibncrs  by  thefe  favages  duriirg- 
this  fatal  day.  Many  of  the  latter  were  carried  off 
by  them  and  never  returiied.  A  few,  through  fa- 
vorable accidentSj  found  their  way  back  to  their 
native  country,  after  having  cxperieyccd  a  long  and 
fevcre  captivity. 

The  biave  Colonel  Monro  had  haftened  away, 
foon  after  the  confufion  began,  to  tiie  French  camp 
to  endeavour  to  procure  the  guard  agreed  by  the  fti- 
pulationj  but  his  application  proving  ineffedual,  he 
refrained  there  till  General  Wc.bb  fcnt  a  party  of 
troops  to  demand  and  protedt  him  back  to  Fore 
Edward.  But  thefe  unhappy  concurrences,  which 
would  probably  have  be^n  prevented,  had  he  been 
left  to  purfue  his  own  plans,  together  with  the  lof^ 
of  fa  many  brave  fellows,  murdered  in  cold  blood, 
to  whofe  valor  he  had  been  fo  lately,  a  witnefs,  madp 
fuch  an  impreffion  on  Ixis  mind,  that  he  did  not  long 
furvivc.  He  died  in  about  three  months  of  a  broken 
hcsLvt,  and  with  truth  might  it  b^  faid,  that  he  was 
an  honor  to  his  country. 

I  mean  not  to  point  out  the  fv^Uowing  circum- 
ftance  as  the  immediate  judgment  of  Ivcaven,  and 
intended  as  an  atonement  for  this  Haughteri  but  I 
cannot  omit  that  very  few  of  thofe  different  tribes  of 
Indians  that  fliared  in  it  ever  lived  to  return  home. 
The  fmall-pox,  by  means  of  their  communication 
with  the  Europeans,  found  its  way  among  them, 
and  made  an  equal  havoc  to  what  they  themfelves 
had  done.  The  methods  they  purfued  on  the  firft 
attack  of  that  malignant  difordcr,  to  abate  the  fever 
attending  it,  rendered  it  fjital.  Whfilft  their  blood 
was  in  a  ftatc  of  fcrmcntatiop,  and  nature  wasftriv- 
ingto  throw  out  the  peccant  matter,  they  checked 
}ier  operations  by  plunging  into  the  w^tcr:  the  ^on- 


ax? 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


ffqucnce  was  thit  they  died  by  hundreds.  The 
^^w  that  furvivcd  were  transformed  by  it  into  hideous 
objefts,  and  bore  with  them  to  the  grave  deep-in- 
dci^ced  marks  of  this  much^dreaded  difcafe. 

Monfieqr  Montcalm  fpU  foon  after  on  the  plains 
of  Quebec. 

Thijit  ]the  unprovoked  cruelty  of  this  commander 
jsyas  not  approved  of  by  the  gerieralicy  of  his  coun- 
trymen^  I  have  lincc  been  convinced  of  by  many 
proofs.  One  only,  however,  which  I  received 
from  a  perfon  3»vho  was  witnefs  to  it,  fhall  I  at  pre- 
fent  give.  A  Canadian  merchant,  of  fome  confi- 
deration,  having  heard  of  the  furrchder  of  the  Eng^ 
lifh  fort,  celebriated  the  fortunate  event  with  great 
rejoicings  and  hofpitality,  according  to  the  cuftohi 
of  that  country  j  but  no  fooner  did  the  news  of  the 
maflacre  which  enfued  reach  his  ears,  than  he  put 
an  immediate  ftop  to  the  feilivity,  and  exclaimed  in 
the  fevereft  terms  againft  the  inhuman  permiffion  j 
declaring  at  the  fame  tjme  that  thofe  whc  had  con- 
nived at  it,  had  thereby  drawn  down,  on  that  part 
of  their  king's  dominions  the  vengeance  of  Heaven. 
.To  this  hp  added,  that  he  much  Sared  the  total  Ibfs 
of  them  would  dcfervedly  be  the  confequence.  How 
truly  this  predi(5lion  has  been  verified  wc  well 
know.  ' 

But  to  return — Though  the  Indians  are  negligent  in 
guarding  againft  furprifcs,  they  are  alert  and  dextrous 
jn  furprifirig  their  enemies.  To  their  caution  and 
perfeverance  in  fteajing  on  the  party  they  defign  to 
iirtack,  they  add  that  admirable  talent,  or  rather 
»nftin61:ive  qualifiGation  I  have  already  dcfcribed, 
of  tracing  oot  thofe  they  are  in  purfuit  of.  Oh  the 
jfmoorheft  grafs,  oh  the  hardeft  earth,  and  even  on 
j:hc  very  ftones,  will  they  difcover  the  traces  of  ah 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


413 


itii> 

rous 

ind 

to 

ther 

)cd, 

I  the 

on 

an 


ewemy,  and  by  the  (hapc  of  the  foot  ftcps,  and  the 
diftancc  between  the  prints,  didiriguifh  not  only 
whether  it  is  a  man  or  a  woman  who  has  paflcd  that 
way,  but  even  the  nation  to  which  they  belong. 
However  incredible  this  might  appear,  yet  from 
the  many  proofs  I  received  whilft  among  them  of 
their  amazing  fagacity  in  this  point,  I  fee  no  reafon 
to  difcredit  even  thefe  extraordinary  exertions  of 
it. 

When  they  have  overcome  an  enemy,  and  vie- 
tory  is  no  longer  doubtful,  the  conquerors  firft  dif- 
patch  all  fuch  as  they  think  they  fliall  not  be  able  to 
carry  off  without  great  trouble,  and  then  endeavour 
to  take  as  many  prifoners  as  pollible ;  after  this  they 
return  to  fc^lp  thofe  who  arc  either  dead,  or  too 
puch  wounded  p  be  taken  with  them. 

At  this  bufinefs  they  are  exceedingly  expert.  They 
feize  the  head  of  the  difablcd  or  dead  enemy,  and 
placing  one  of  their  feet  on  the  neck,  twift  their  left 
hand  in  the  hair ;  by  this  means,  having  extended 
the  fkin,  that  covers  the  flop  of  their  head,  they 
draw  out  their  fcalping  knives,  which  are  always 
kept  in  good  order  for  this  cruel  purpofe,  and  with 
^a  hw  dextrous  ftrokes  take  off  the  part  that  ii 
^termed  the  fcalp.  They  are  fo  expeditious  in  do- 
ing  this,  that  the  whole  time  required  fcarcely  cx- 
izeeds  a  -minute.  Thefe  they  prefcrve  as  monuments 
of  their  prdwcfs,  and  at  the  fame  time  as  proofs  of 
the  vengeance  they  have  infli^ed  on  their  enemies. 

If  two  Indians  feize  in  the  fame  inftant  a  prifoner,' 
andfeem  to  have  an  equal  claim,  the  conteft  between 
them  is  foon  decided;  for  to  put  a  fpeedy  'end  to 
apy  difpute  that  might  arifc,  the  pefon  that  is  ap- 
prehenlive  he  fhall  lofe  his  cxpe(5led  reward,  im- 
^jcdiately  has  recojurfc  to  his  tomahawk  or  war- club, 


?H 


C  A  Jl  V  E  R's    T  JR  A  V  EL  S. 


ancj  knocks  on  the  head  the  unhappy  caufc  of  their 
contention. 

Having  completed  their  purpofes,  and  made  as 
much  havoc  as  poflible,  they  immediately  retire 
towards  thier  own  country,  with  the  fpoil  they  have 
acquired,  for  fear  of  being  purfued. 

Should  this  be  the  cafe,  they  make  of  many  ftra- 
tagems  to  elude  the  fearches  of  their  purfuers.  They 
fometimes  fqatter  leaves,  fands,  or  duft  over  the 
prints  of  their  feet  j  fometimes  tread  in  each  other's 
footfteps  J  and  fometimes  lift  their  feet  fo  high,  and 
tread  fo  lightly,  as  not  to  make  any  impreffion  on  the 
ground,  gut  if  they  find  all  thefe  precautions  un- 
availing, and  that  they  are  near  being  overtaken, 
they  firftdifpatch  and  fcalp  their  prifoners,  and  then 
dividing,each  endeavours  to  regain  his  native  country 
by  a  different  route.  This  prevents  all  further  purfuits 
for  their  purfuers  now  defpairing,  cither  of  grati- 
fying their  revenge,  or  of  releafing  thofe  of  their 
friends  who  were  made  captives,  return  home. 

If  t|)e  fuccefsful  party  is  fo  lucky  as  to  make  good 
their  retreat  unmolefted,  they  haften  with  the  great- 
eft  expedition  to  reach  a  country  where  they  may  be 
perfectly  fecure  j  and  that  their  wounded  companions 
may  not  retard  their  flight,  they  carry  them  by  turns 
in  litters,  or  if  it  is  in  the  winter  feafon  draw  them 
on  fledge*. 

Their  Jitters  are  made  in  a  rude  manner  of  the 
branches  'of  trees.  Their  fledges  confift  of  two 
fmall  thin  boards,  about  a  foot  wide  when  joined,  and 
hear  fix  feet  long.  The  fore-part  is  turn  '  up,  and 
the  fides  are  bordered  with  fmall  bands.  The  In- 
dians draw  thefe  carriages  with  great  eafe,  be  they 
ever  fo  much  loaded,  by  means  of  a  ftring  which 
paflets  round  the  breaft.     This  collar  is  called  a 


CARVER »i    TRAVELS. 


SI5 


the 

two 

and 

and 

In- 

they 

^hicK 

:d  a 


Metump,  and  is  inufe  throughout 'America,  both  in 
the  fcttlemcnts  and  the  internal  pares.  Thofe  ufed 
in  the  latter  arc  made  of  leather,  and  very  curioufly 
wrought* 

The  prifoners  during  their  march  are  guarded 
•with  the  greatcft  care-  During  the  day,  if  the  jour- 
ney is  over  land,  they  are  always  held  by  fomc  of  the 
victorious  party  j  if  by  water,  they  arc  fattened  to 
the  canoe.  In  the  night-time  they  are  flrctched 
along  the  ground  quite  naked,  with  their  legs,  arms,^ 
and  neck  fattened  to  hooks  fixed  in  the  grounds  B^- 
fides  this,  cords  are  tied  to  their  arms  or  legs,  which 
are  held  by  an  Indian^  who  inttantly  awakes  at  the 
leaft  motion  of  them. 

Notwithttanding  fuch  precautions  are  ufually  taken 
by  the  Indians,  it  is  recorded  in  the  annals  of  New- 
England  that  one  of  the  weaker  fex,  almott  alone,  and 
unattitted  found  means  to  elud«  the  vigilance  of  a 
party  of  warriors^  and  not  only  to  make  her  efcapc 
from  them,  but  to  revenge  the  caufc  of  her  country*- 
men. 

Some  years  ago  ^  fiiiaU  band  of  Canadian  Indians,con« 
fitting  of  ten  warriors  attended  by  two  of  their  wivcs^ 
made  an  irruption  into  the  back  fcttlemcnts  of  New* 
England.  They  lurked  for  fome  time  in  the  vicinity 
of  one  themoft  cxteripr  towns,  and  at  length,  after 
having  killed  and  fcalped  feveral  people,  found 
means  to  take  prifoner  a  woman  who  had  with  her 
a  fon  of  about  twelve  years  of  age.  Being  fatisficdwith 
the  execution  they  haid  done,  they  retreated  tov'?rds 
their  native  country,  which  lay  at  three  hundred 
miles  diftanccj  and  carried  of  with  them  their  tw^ 
taptives. 


li6 


CARVER »«    TRAVELS. 


The  fecond  night  of  their  retreat,  the  woman, 
whofe  name,  if  I  miftake  not,  was  Rowe,  formed  a 
refolution  worthy  of  the  moft  intrepid  hero.  She 
thought  (he  fhould  be  able  to  get  from  her  hands 
the  manacles  by  which  they  were  confined,  and  de- 
termined if  (he  did  fo  to  make  a  defpcrate  effort  for 
the  recovery  of  her  freedom.  To  this  purpofe,  when 
Ihc  concluded  thit  her  conquerors  were  in  their 
foundcft  fleep,  (he  ftrove  to  flip  the  cords  from  her 
hands.  In  this  fhe  fucceeded  ;  and  cautioning  her  fon, 
whom  they  had  fufFered  to  go  unbound,  in  a  whifpcr, 
againft  being  furprifed  at  what  flic  was  about  to  do, 
ihe  removed  to  a  diftance  with  great  warinefs  the 
dcfenfivc  weapons  of  the  Indians,  which  lay  by  their 
fides.  . 

Having  done  this,  flie  put  one  of  the  tomahawks 
into  the  hands  of  the  boy,  bidding  him  to  follow  her 
example  :  and  taking  another  herfelf,  fell  upon  the 
fleeping  Indians,  feveral  of  whom  flie  infhmtly  dif- 
patched.  But  her  attempt  was  nearly  fruftrated  by 
the  imbecility  of  her  fon,  who  wanting  both  ftrength 
and  refolution,  made  a  feeble  ftroke  at  one  of  them, 
which  only  ferved  to  awaken  him ;  flie  however 
Sprung  at  the  rifing  warrior,  and  before  he  could  re- 
cover his  arms,  made  him  fink  under  the  weight  of 
her  tomahawk ;  and  this  flie  alternately  did  to  all  the 
refl:,  except  one  of  the  women  who  awoke  in  time, 
and  made  her  efcape. 

The  heroine  then  took  off  the  fcalps  of  her  van- 
quiflied  enemies,  and  feizing  alfo  thofe  they  were 
carrying  away  with  them  as  proofs  of  their  fucccfs, 
flie  returned  in  triumph  to  the  town  from  whence 
flie  had  fo  lately  been  dragged,  to  the  great  aft:onifli- 
ment  of  her  neighbours,  who  could  fcarcely  credit 
their  fenfes,  or  the  tcftimonics  flic  bore  of  her  Ama- 
zonian intrepidity. 


^      C  A  R  V  E  R'»    TRAVELS. 


a'7 


€t 


t< 


During  their  march  they  oblige  their  prifoncrs  to 
fing  their  dcath-fong,  which  gtncrally  confifts  of 
thefc  or  fimilar  fentcnces:  **  I  am  going  to  die,  I 
"  am  about  to  fufferi  but  I  will  bear  the   fcvcrcft 

tortures  rny  enemies  can  inflidb,  with  becoming 
'  fortitude.     I  will  die  like  a  brave  man,  and  I  iliall 

then  go  to  join  the  chiefs  that  have  fuffered  on  the 
"  fame  account.'*  Thefe  fongs  are  continued  with 
neceflary  intervals,  until  they  reach  the  village  or 
camp  to  which  they  are  going, 

.  When  the  warriors  are  arrived  within  hearing, 
they  fct  up  different  cries,  which  communicates  to  "^ 
their  friends  a  general  hidory  of  the  fuccefs  of  the 
ejjpcdition.  The  number  of  the  death-cries  they 
give,  declarc-how  many  of  their  own  party  are  loft ; 
the  number  of  war-whoops,  the  number  of  prifoners 
they  have  taken. 

It  is  difficult  to  defcribe  thefe  cries,  but  the  bcft 
ideal  can  convey  of  them  is,  that  the  fortner  confifts  , 
of  the  found  Whoo,  Whoo,  Whoop,  which  i^ 
continued  in  a  long  (hrill  tone,  nearly  till  the  breath 
is  exhaufted,  and  then  broken  oif  with  a  fuddci\ 
elevation  of  the  voice.  The  latter  is  a  loud  cry, 
of  much  the  fame  kind,  which  is  modulated  into 
notes  by  the  hand  being  pla(;e4  before  the  mouth. 
Both  of  them  might  be  heard  t^g  a  very  confiderabl(j*' 
dift^nce. 

Whilft  thefe  are  uttering,  the  perfons  to  whom 
they  are  defigned  to  convey  the  inteiligence,  con- 
tinue motionlefs  and  all  attention.  When  this  ce- 
remony is  performed,  the  whole  village  iffue  out  ta 
learn  the  particulars  of  the  relation  they  have  juft 
heard  in  general  terms,  and  according  a»  the  news 

Ec 


2l8 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    T  R  A  V  ELS. 


prove  mournful  or  the  contrary,    they  anfwcr  by  Co 
many  acclamations  or  cries  of  lamentation. 

Being  by  this  time  arrived  at  the  village  or  camp, 
the  women  and  children  arm  themfelves  with  (licks 
and  I  lu  igfons,  and  form  themfelves  into  two  ranks, 
througli  v/hich  the  prifoners  are  obliged  to  pafs. 
The  treatment  they  undergo  before  they  reach  thtf 
extremity  of  tlie  line,  is  very  fevere.  Sometimes 
they  are  fo  beaten  over  the  head  and  face,  as  to 
have  fcarcely  any  remains  of  life  i  and  happy  would 
it  be  for  them  if  by  this  ufagc  an  end  was  put  to  their 
,wretched  beings.  '  But  their  tormentors  take  care 
that  none  of  the  blows  they  give  provt  mortal,  as 
they  wifh  to  referve  the  miferablc  fuffcrers  for  more 
fevere  inflidlions. 

After  having  undergone  this  introductory  difci- 
pline,  they  are  bound  hand  and  foot,  whilft  the 
chiefs  hold  a  council  in  which  their  fate  is  determined. 
Thofc  who  are  decreed  to  be  put  to  death  by  the 
ufual  torments,  are  delivered  to  the  chief  of  the 
ivarriorsj  fuch  as  arc  to  be  fpared,  are  given  into 
the  hands  of  the  chief  of  the  nation  :  fo  that  in  a 
fliort  time  all  the  prifoners  may  be  affured  of  their 
fate,  as  the  fentence  now  pronounced  is  irrevocable. 
The  former  they  term  being  configned  to  the  houfe 
of  death,  the  latter  to  the  houfe  of  grace. 

Such  captives  as  are  pretty  far  advanced  in  life, 
and  have  acquired  great  honor  by  their  warlike 
deeds,  always  atone  for  the  blood  they  have  fpilt, 
by  the  tortures  of  fire.  Their  fuccefs  in  war  is  rea- 
dily known  by  the  blue  inarks  upon  their  breads  and 
arms,  which  are  as  legible  to  the  Indians  as  letters 
are  to  EuRopcans. 

The  manner  in-  which  thefe  hieroglyphics  are 
made,  is  by  breaking  the  fkin  with  the  teeth  of  fi(h, 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


•«f 


:s 


s 


are 
ffiOi, 


or  (harpened  flints,  clipped  in  a  kind  of  ink  made  of 
the  loot  of  pitch  pine.  Like  thofc  of  the  ancient 
Pidts  of  Britain  thefc  are  cllcemed  ornamental ;  and 
at  the  fame  time  they  ferve  as  regillers  of  the  heroic 
anions  of  the  warrior,  who  thus  bears  about  him 
indelible  marks  of  his  valor. 

*  The  prifoners  deftincd  to  death  arc  foon  led  to 
the  place  gf  execution,  which  is  generally  in  the 
centre  of  the  camp  or  village;  where,  being  ftript, 
and  every  part  of  their  bodies  blackened,  the  fkin 
of  a  crow  or  raven  is  fixed  on  their  heads.  They 
are  then  bound  to  a  ftake,  with  faggots  heaped 
around  them,  and  obliged,  for  the  laft  time,  to  fmg 
their  death-fong. 

The  warriors,  for  fuch  it  ii  only  who  commonly 
fufFer  this  punifliment,  now  per  brm  in  a  more  pro- 
lix manner  this  fad  folemnity.  They  Recount  with 
an  audible  voice  all  the  brave  adllons  they  have  per- 
formed, and  pride  themfclvesin  the  number  of  ene- 
mies they  have  killed.  In  this  rehearfai.they  fpare 
not  even  their  tormentors,  but  drive  by  every  pro- 
voking tale  they  can  invent,  to  irritate  and  infult 
them.  Sometimes  this  has  the  defired  effe(ft,  and 
the  fufFercrs  are  difpatched  fooner  than  they  other- 
wife  would  have  been,  .     ' 

There  are  many  other  methods  which  the  Indians 
make  ufc  of  to  put  their  prifoners  to  death,  but  thefe 
are  only  occafionalj  that  of  burning  is  moft  gen,e- 
i:ally  ufed. 

m 

\ 

Whilft  I  was  at  the  chief  town  of  the  Ottagau- 
niies,  an  Illinois  Indian  was  brought  in,  who  had 
been  made  prifoner  by  one  of  their  war-parties.  I 
had  then  au  opportunity  of  feeing  the  cuftomary 
cruelties  infiidicd  by  thefe  people  on  their  captivesj^ 


iZ2l) 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


t 


through  the  minuteft  part  of  their  procefs.  After 
the  previous  fteps  nccefiary  to  this  condemnation, 
he  was  carried,  early  in  the  Homing,  to  a  little 
diilrincc  from  the  town,  where  he  was  bound  to  a 
tree. 

This  being  done,  all  the  boys,  who  amounted 
to  a  great  number,  as  the  place  was  populous,  were 
permitted  to  amufe  themfelves  with  (hooting  their 
arrows  at  the  unhappy  viftim.  As  there  were  none 
of  them  more  than  twelve  years  old,  and  were 
placed  at  a  confidcrable  diftance,  they  had  not 
Ibength  to  penetrate  to  the  vital  parts,  fo  that  the 
poor  Wretch  ftood  pierced  with  arrows,  and  fufFer- 
ing  the  confequent  agonies,  for  more  than  two  days. 

During  this  time  fie  fung  his  warlike  exploits. 
He  recapitulated  every  ftratagem  he  had  made  ufe 
of  to  furprifc  his  enemies:  he  bonded  of  the  quan- 
tity of  fcalps  he  polTeifed,  and  enumerated  the  pri- 
soners he  had  taken.  He  then  defcribed  the  different 
barbarous  methods  by  which  he  had  put  the  latter 
to  death,  and  fcemed  even  then  to  receive  incon- 
ceivable pleafure  from  the  recital  of  the  horrid 
tale. 

But  he  dwelt  more  particularly  on  the  cruelties  he 
Jiad  pradtifed  on  fuch  of  the  kindred  ot  his  prefent 
tormentors,  as  had  fallen  into  his  hands;  endeavour- 
ing by  thcfe  aggravated  infults  to  induce  them  to 
incrcafe  his  tortures,  that  he  might  be  able  to  give 
greater  proofs  of  fortitude.  Even  in  the  laft  drug- 
gles  of  life,  when  he  was  no  longer  able  to  vent  in 
v/ords  the  indignant  provocation  his  tongue  would 
have  uttered,  a  fmile  of  mingled  fcorn  and  triumph 
fat  on  his  countenance, 


C  A  R  V  R  R's    TRAVELS. 


221 


This  method  of  tormenting  their  enemies  is  con- 
fidcred  by  the  Indians  as  produdtive  of  more  than 
one  beneficial  confequence.  It  fatiates,  in  a  greater 
degree,  that  diabolical  luit  of  revenge,  which  'S 
the  predominant  paflion  in  the  bread  of  cvp:/  in- 
dividual of  every  tribe,  and  it  •  gives  the  growing 
warriors  an  early  propenficy  to  that  cruelty  and 
thirft  for  blood,  which  is  fo  neceflary  a  qualification 
for  fuch  as  would  be  thoroughly  (killed  in  their  fa- 
vage  art  of  war. 

I  have  been  informed,  that  an  Indian  who  was 
under  the  hands  of  his  tormentors,  had  the  audacity 
to  tell  them,  that  they  were  ignorant  old  women, 
and  did  not  know  how  to  put  brave  prifoners  to 
death.  He  acquainted  them  that  he  had  heretofore 
taken  fomc  of  their  warriors,  and  inftead  of  the  tri- 
vial punilhments  they  infiided  on  him,  he  had  de- 
vifed  for  them  the  moft  excruciating  torments  j  that 
having  bound  them  to  a  ftake,  he  had  ftuck  their 
bodies  full  of  Iharp  fplinters  of  turpefltinc  wood,  to 
which  he  then  fet  fire,  and  dancing  around  them 
enjoyed  the  agonizing  pangs  of  the  flaming  vi6bim. 

This  bravado,  which  carried  with  it  a  degree  of 
infult,  that  even  the  accuftomed  ear  of  an  Indian 
couldnot  liften  to  unmoveu,  threw  his  tormentors 
off  their  guard,  and  fhortened  the  duration  of  his 
torments  i  for  one  of  the  chiefs  ran  to  him,  and  rip- 
ping out  his  l>eart,  (topped  with  it  the  mouth  from 
which  had  iflfued  fuch  provoking  language. 

Innumerable  are  the  ftories  that  may  be  told  of 
the  courage  and  refolution  of  the  Indians,  who  hap- 
pen to  be  made  prifoners  by  their  adverfarics.  Many 
that  I  have  heard  are  fo  aftonilhing,  that  they  feem 
to  exceed  the  iitmo(t  limits  of  credibility j  it  is, 
however,  certain  that  thefe  favages  are  pofftffcd  with 


■•K 


tzz 


CARVE  R»3    TRAVELS. 


jnany  heroic  qualities,  and  bare  every  fpecies  of 
misfortune  with  a  degree  of  fortitude  which  has  not 
been  outdone  by  any  of  the  ancient  heroes  cither  of 
Greece  or  of  Rom^. 

Notwithftanding  thefe  afts  of  feverity  exercifed 
by  the  Indians  towards  thofe  of  their  own  fpecies, 
who  fall  into  their  hands,  fome  tribes  of  them  have 
been  remarked  for  their  moderation  to  fuch  female 
prifoners,  belonging  to  the  Englifli  colonies  as  have 
happened  to  be  taken  by  them.  Womtn  of  great 
beauty  have  frequently  been  carried  offby  them,  and 
,  during  a  march  of  three  or  four  hundred  miles,  thro' 
their  retired  forcfts,  have  lain  by  their  fideis  without 
receiving  any  infult,  and  tl?eir  chaftity  has  remained 
inviolate.  Inftat^ces  have  happened  where  fem.  \c 
.captives,  who  have  been  pregnant  at  the  time  cf 
.their  being  taken,  have  found  the  pangs  of  child- 
birth come  upon  them  in  the  midft  of  folitary  woods, 
and  favages  their  only  companions  j  yet  from  thefe, 
favages  as  they  were,  have  they  received  every  af- 
fiftance  their  fituation  would  admit  of,  and  been 
treated  with  a  degree  of  delicacy  ajid  humanity  they 
little  expeded. 

This  forbearance,  it  mufi:  be  acknowledged,  does 
not  proceed  altogether  from  their  difpofition,  but  is 
only  inherent  in  thofe  who  have  held  fome  commu-» 
ni^cation  with  the  French  miffionaries.  Without  in^ 
tending  that  their  natural  enemies,  the  Englifh,  fhould 
enjoy  the  benefit  of  their  labours,  thefe  fathers  have 
taken  great  pains  to  inculcate  on  the  minds  of  the 
Indians  the  general  principles  of  humanity,  which 
has  difFufed  itfelf  through  their  manners,  and  ha? 
proved  of  public  utility. 

Thofe  prifoners  that  are  configned  to  the  houfe  of 
grc^ce,  and  thefe  are  commonly  the  young  men,  wQ-» 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 


»2J 


men,  and  children,  await  the  difpofal  of  the  chiefs, 
who,  after  the  execution  of  fuch  as  arc  condemned 
to  die,  hold  a  council  for  this  purpofc. 

A  herald  is  fent  round  the  village  or  camp,  to  give 
notice  that  fuch  as  have  loft  any  relations  in  the  late 
expedition,  are  defired  to  attend  the  diftribution 
v/hich  is  about  to  take  place.  Thofe  women  who 
have  loft  their  fcjns  or  hufbands,  are  generally  latis- 
fied  in  the  fiift  place  j  after  thefc,  fuch  as  have  been 
deprived  of  friends  of  a  more  remote  degree  of  con- 
fan^jini:y,  or  who  choofe  to  adopt  fomc  of  the 
youth. 

The  divifion  being  made,  which  is  done,  as  in 
other  cafes,  without  the  leaft  difpute,  thofe  who  have 
received  any  fharc,  lead  them  to  their  tents  or  huts  j 
and  having  unbound  them,  walh  and  drefs  their' 
wounds  if  they  happen  to  have  received  any  j  they 
then  clothe  them,  and  give  them  the  moft  comfor- 
table and  refrefhing  food  their  ftorc  \^iil  afford. 

Whilft  their  new  domeftics  are  feeding,  they  en- 
deavour to  adminifter  confolation  to  them  ;  they  tell 
them  that  as  they  are  redeemed  from  death,  they 
muft  now  be  cheerful  and  happy  y  and  if  they  fcrve 
them  well,  without  murmuring  or  repining,  nothing 
Ihall  be  wanting  to  make  them  fuch  atonement  for 
the  lofs  of  their  country  and  friends  as  circumftanccs 
will  allow  of. 

If  any  men  are  fpared,  they  are  commonly  given 
to  the  widows  that  have  loft  their  huft^ands  by  the 
hand  of  the  enemy,  ftiould  there  be  any  fuch,  to 
whom,  if  they  happen  to  prove  agreeable,  they  are 
foon  married.  But  fliould  the  dame  be  otherwife 
engaged,  the  life  of  him  who  falls  to  her  lot  i^  in 
great  danger;  efpeciajly  if  fiie  fancies  that  her  late 


224 


C  A  R  V.E  R's    TRAVEL  S. 


hufb^nd  wants  a  flave  in  the  country  of  fpirits,  to 
which  he  is  gone. 

When  this  is  the  cafe,  a  number  of  young  men 
take  the  devoted  captive  to  fome  diftance,  and  dif- 
patch  him  without  any  ceremony :  after  he  has  been 
fpared  by  the  council,  they  confidcr  him  of  too  little 
confequence  to  be  entitled  to  the  torments  allotted 
to  thofe  who  have  beenjudged  worthy  of  them. 

The  women  are  ufually  diftributed  to  the  men, 
from  whom  they  do  not  fail  of  meeting  with  a  fa- 
vourable reception.  The  boys  and  girls  are  taken 
into  the  families  of  fuch  as  have  need  of  them,  and 
are  confidered  as  flaves  -,  and  it  is  not  uncommon 
th.it  they  are  fold  in  the  fame  capacity  to  the  Euro- 
pean traders  who  come  among  them. 

The  Indians  have  no  idea  of  moderating  the  rava- 
ges of  war,  by  fparing  their  prifoners,  and  entering 
into  a  negociation  with  the  band  from  whom  they 
have  been  taken,  for  an  exchange.  All  that  are 
captivated  by  both  parties,  are  either  put  to  death, 
adopted,  or  made  flaves  of.  And  fo  particular  arc 
every  nation  in  this  refpe<5t,  that  if  any  of  their  tribe, 
even  a  warrior,  fhould  be  taken  prifoner,  and  by 
chance  be  received  into  the  houfe  of  grace,  either  as 
an  adopted  perfon  or  a  flave,  and  ihould  afterwards 
make,  his  efcape,  they  will  by  no  means  receive  him, 
or  acknowledge  him  as  one  of  their  band. 

The  condition  of  fuch  as  are  adopted  differs  not 
in  any  one  inftance  from  the  children  of  the  nation 
to  which  they  now  belong.  They  aflume  all  the 
rights  of  thole  whofe  places  they  fupply,  and  fre- 
quently make  no  difficulty  of  going  in  the  war-par- 
ties againfl  their  own  countrymen.  Should,  how- 
ever, any  of  thefe  by  chance  muke   their  efcape, 


CARVER' 3     TRAVELS. 


lis 


aad  be  afterwards  retaken,  they  arc  cftecmcd  as 
unnatural  children  and  ungrateful  perfons,  who  have 
defcrted  and  made  war  upon  their  parents  and  bene- 
fadlors,  and  are  treated  with  uncommon  feverity. 

That  part  of  the  prifoners  which  are  confidered  ai 
flaves,  are  generally  diftributed  among  the  cliiefs  i 
who  frequently  make  prefents  of  fome  of  them  to 
the  European  governors  of  the  out-pofts,  or  to  the 
fuperintendants  or  commiffaries  of  Indian  affairs.  I 
havebeen  informed  thatit  was  the  jefu  its  and  French 
miflionaries  that  firft  occafioned  the  introdudtion  of 
thefe  unhappy  captives  into  the  fettlements,  and  who 
by  fo  doing  taught  the  Indians  that  they  vi^erc  va- 
luable. 


Their  views  indeed  were  laudable,  as  they  ima- 
gined that  by  this  method  they  ihouldnot  only  pre- 
vent much  barbarity  and  bloodfhed,  but  find  th^ 
opportunities  of  fpreading  their  religion  among  them 
increafed.  To  this  purpofe  they  encouraged  the 
traders  to  purchafe  fuch  flaves  as  they  met  with. 

The  good  efFeds  of  this  mode  of  proceeding  were 
not  however  equal  to  the  expeftations  of  thefe  pioui 
fathers.  Inftead  oi'  being  the  means  of  preventing 
cruelty  and  bloodfhed,  it  only  caufed  the  difTentions 
between  the  Indian  nations  to  be  carried  on*  with  a 
greater  degree  of  violence,  and  with  unremitted  ar- 
dor. The  prize  they  fought  forbeingnolonger  revenge 
or  fame,  but  the  acquirement  of  fpirituous  liquors,for 
which  their  captives  were  to  be  exchanged,  and  of 
which  almofl  every  nation  is  immoderately  forid> 
they  fought  for  their  enemies  with  unwonted  alacrity, 
and  were  conflantly  on  the  watck  to  furprife  and 
carry  them  off. 

'      F.'      ■ 


zzS 


CARVER'S      TRAVEL& 


It  might  ftill  be  faid  that  fewer  of  the  captives  are 
tormented  and  put  to  death,  fince  thcfc  expectations 
of  receiving  fo  valuable  a  confideration  for  them 
have  been  excited  than  there  ufualiy  had  been }  but 
it  does  not  appear  that  there  accumftomed  cruelty 
to  the  warriors  they  take,  is  in  the  lead  abated  j  their 
natural  defire  of  vengeance  muft  be  gratified  j  they 
now  only  become  more  affiduous  in  fccuring  a 
greater  number  of  young  prifonersi  whilft  thofewho 
are  made  captive  in  their  defence,  arc  tormented 
and  put  to  death  as  before. 

The  miffionaries  finding,  that  contrary  to  their 
wifhes,  their  zeal  had  only  fcrved  to  increafe  the  fale 
of  the  noxious  juices,  applied  to  the  governor  of  Ca- 
nada, in  the  year  1693,  for  a  prohibition  of  this 
b^eful  trade.  An  order  was  iffued  accordingly, 
but  it  could  not  put  a  total  flop  to  it  ;  the  French 
Gouriefs  de  Bois  were  hardy  enough  to  carry  it  on 
clandeftinely  notwithftanding  the  penalty  annexed 
to  a  breach  of  the  prohibition  was  a  cohfiderabic  fine 
and  imprironmeht. 

Some  who  were  dctedtcd  in  the  profecution  of 
it,  withdrew  into  the  Indian  countries,  where  they 
intermarried  with  the  natives,  and  underwent  a  vo- 
luntary banilhment.  Thefc  however,  being  an  aban- 
doned and  debauched  fet,  their  conduct  contributed 
very  little  either  towards  reforming  the  manners  of 
their  new  relations,  or  engaging  them  to  entertain  a 
favourable  opinion  of  the  religion  they  profeffed* 
Thus  did  thefe  indefatigable,  religious  men,  fee 
their  defigns  in  fome  mcafure  once  more  fruftrated. 

However^  the  emigration  was  productive  of  an 
cffedt  which  turned  out  to  be  beneficial  to  their  na- 
tion. By  the  connexion  of  thefe  refugees  with  the 
Iroquois,  Mifljffiiages,  Hurons,  Miamies,    Powto* 


> 


an 
na* 
the 
■^to« 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s      TRAVELS. 


227 


wottomics,  Puants,  Mcnomonics,  Algonkins,  &c. 
and  the  conftant  rcprcfcntations  thcfc  various  na- 
tions received  from  them  of  the  power  and  grandeur 
of  the  French,  to  the  aggrandiferaent  of  whofc 
monarch,  notwithllanding  their  banifhment,  they 
ftill  retained  their  habitual  inclination,  the  Indians 
became  infenfibly  prejudiced  in  favor  of  that  peo- 
ple, and  I  am  perfuadcd  will  take  every  opportunity 
of  Ihcwing  their  attachment  to  them. 

And  this  even  in  defpite  of  the  difgracefui  cfti- 
mation  they  muft  be  held  by  them,  (ince  they  have 
been  driven  out  of  Canada  -,  for  the  Indians  confider 
every  conquered  people  as  in  a  (late  of.  vaflalage  to 
their  conquerors .  After  one  nation  has  finally  fub- 
dued  another,  and  a  conditional  fubmiHion  is  agreed 
on,  it  is  cuftomary  for  the  chiefs  of  the  conquered, 
when  they  fit  in  council  with  their  fubduers,  to 
wear  petticoats,  as  an  acknowledgment  that  they  ajre 
in  a  ftate  of  fubjcdion,  and  ought  to  be  ranked 
among  the  women.  Their  partiality  to  the  French 
has  however  taken  too  deep  root  for  time  itfelf  to 
eradicate  it. 


998 


CARVE  g's      TRAVELS, 


p  H  A  P  T  E  R      X. 


Pf  their  Manner  of  making  Peace,  (f?i. 


JL  he  wars  that  are  carried  on  between  the 
Indian  natibijs  are  in  general  hereditary,  and  con- 
tinue from  age  to  age  with  a  few  interruptions.  If 
a  peace  becomes  neceflary,  the  principal  care  of  both 
parties  is  to  avoid  the  appearance  of  making  thefirft 
advances. 

When  they  treat  with  an  enemy,  relative  to  a 
fufpenfion  of  hoftilities,  the  chief  who  is  commiffion- 
cd  to  undertake  the  ncgociation,  if  itis  not  broi'^ht 
about  by  the  mediation  of  fome  neighbouring  band, 
abates,  nothing  of  his  natural  haughtinefs  :  even 
when  the  affairs  of  his  country  are  in  the  worft  fitu- 
ation,  he  makes  no  concefTions,  but  endeavours  to 
perfuade  his  adverfarics  that  it  is  their  intereft  to  put 
ian  end  to  the  war. 

Accidents  fomctimes  contribute  to  bring  about  a 
peace  between  nations  that  othcrwifc  could  not  be 
prevailed  on  to  liften  to  terms  of  accommodation. 
An  inftance  of  this,  which  I  heard  of  in  almoft  every 
haticn  I  palfed  through,  I  fhall  relate. 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


229 


About  eighty  years  ago,the  Iroquois  and  Chipeways, 
two  powert'ul  nations,  were  at  war  with  the  Otta- 
gaumies  and  Saukies,  who  were  much  inferior  to 
their  adverfaries  both  in  numbers  and  ftrength.  One 
winter  near  a  thoufand  of  the  former  made  an  excur- 
fion  from  Lake  Ontario,  by  way  of  Toronto,  to- 
wards the  territories  of  their  enemies.  They  coaft- 
ed  Lake  Huron  on  its  eaft  and  northern  borders,  till 
they  arrived  at  the  ifland  of  St.  Jofeph,  which  is  (itu- 
ated  in  the  Straits  of  St.  Marie.  There  they  crofled 
thcfe  Straits  upon  the  ice,  about  fifteen  miles  below 
the  falls,  and  continued  their  route  ftill  weftward. 
Af  the  ground  was  covered  with  fnow,  to  prevent  a 
difcoveryof  their  numbers,  they  marched  in  a  fingle 
file,  treading  in  each  others  foofteps. 

Four  Chipeway  Indians,  pafling  that  way,  obferv- 
f  d  this  army,  and  readily  gueffcd  from  the  direftion 
of  their  march,  and  the  precautions  they  took,  both 
the  country  to  which  they  were  haftening,  and  their 
defiojns. 

Notwithftanding  the  nation  to  which  they  belong- 
ed was  at  war  with  the  Ottagaumies,  and  in  alliance 
with  their  invaders,  yet  from  a  principle  which  can- 
not be  accounted  for,  they  took  an  inftant  refolu- 
tion  to  apprifc  the  former  of  the  danger.  To  this 
purpofe  they  haftened  away  with  their  ufual  celerity, 
and,  taking  a  circuit  to  avoid  difcovery,  arrived  ar 
the  hunting  grounds  of  the  Ottagaumies,  before  io 
large  a  body,  moving  in  fo  cautious  a  manner,  could 
do.  There  they  found  a  party  of  about  four  hun- 
dred warriors,  fome  of  which  were  Saukies,  whom 
they  informed  of  the  approach  of  their  enemies. 

The  chiefs  immediately  collcded  their  whole 
force,  and  held  a  council  on  the  fteps  that  were  to  be 
jtaken  for  their  defence.     As  thev  were  encumbered 


230 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


with  their  families,  it  was  impoflible  that  they  could 
retreat  in  time  ;  they  therefore  determined  tochoofe 
the  moft  advantageous  fpoi,  and  to  give  the  Iroquois 
the  bell  reception  in  their  power. 

Not  far  from  the  place  where  they  then  happened 
to  be,  flood  two  fmall  lakes,  between  which  ran 
a  narrow  neck  of  land  about  a  mile  in  length,  and 
only  from  twenty  to  forty  yards  in  breadth.  Con- 
cluding that  the  Iroquois  intended  to  pafs  through 
this  defile,  the  united  bands  divided  their  little  party 
into  two  bodies  of  two  hundred  each.  Oneofthefe 
took  pod  at  the  extremity  of  the  pafs  that  lay  neareft 
to  their  hunting  grounds,  which  they  immediately 
fortified  with  a  brcaft-work  formed  of  palifades  i 
whilit  the  other  body  took  a  compafs  round  one  of 
the  lakes,  with  a  defign  to  hem  their  enemies  in 
when  they  had  entered  the  defile. 

Their  llratagem  fucceeded  i  for  no  fooiicr  had  the 
whole  of  the  Iroquois  entered  the  pafs,  than,  being 
provided  with  wood  for  the  purpofe,  they  formed  a 
limilar  breafl-work  on  the  other  extremity,  and  thus 
cnclofed  their  enemies. 

The  Iroquois  foon  perceived  their  fituation,  and 
immediately  held  a  council  on  the  meafures  that  were 
necelTary  to  be  purfucd  to  extricate  themfclves. 
Unluckily  for  them  a  thaw  had  jufl  taken  place, 
which  had  fo  far  dilTolved  the  ice  as  to  render  it  im- 
paiTable,  and  yet  there  ftill  remained  fufficient  to  pre- 
vent them  from  either  pafTmg  ovei  the4akes  on  rafts, 
or  from  fwimming  acrofs.  In  tliii^  dilemma  it  was 
agreed  that  they  ihould  endeavour  to  force  one  of 
the  breaft- works  i  but  they  foon  found  them  too  well 
defeiidcd  to  aiFedl  their  purpofe. 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


231 


in 


Notwithibanding  this  dirappoinrment,  with  the 
ufual  compofurc  and  unapprehenfivenefs  of  Indians, 
they  amufed  thcmfclvcs  three  or  four  days  in 
fifhing.  By  this  time  the  ice  being  quite  dif- 
folved,  they  made  thcmfelves  rafts,  which  they 
were  enabled  to  do  by  fome  trees  that  fortunately 
grew  on  the  fpot,  and  attempted  to  crofs  one  of  the 
lakes. 

They  accordingly  fet  off  before  day-break  but  the 
Ottagaumies,  who  had  been  watchful  of  their  mo- 
tions, perceiving  their  defign,  detached  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men  from  each  of  their  parties,  to  op- 
pofe  their  landing.  Thcfe  three  hundred  marched 
fo  cxpeditioufly  to  the  other  fide  of  the  lake, 
that  they  reached  it  before  their  opponents  had 
gained  the  Ihore,  they  being  retarded  by  their  poles 
llicking  in  the  mud. 

As  f«on  as  the  confederates  arrived,  they  poured 
in  a  very  heavy  fire,  both  from  their  bows  and 
mufquetry,  on  the  Iroquois,  which  greatly  difcon- 
certed  them ;  till  the  latter  finding  their  fituation 
defpcrate,  leaped  into  the  water,  and  fought  their 
way  through  their  enemies.  This  however  they 
could  not  do  without  lofing  more  than  half  their 
men. 

After  the  Iroquois  had  landed,  they  made  good 
their  retreat,  but  were  obliged  to  leave  their  ene- 
mies mafters  of  the  field,  and  in  poflfeffion  of  all  the 
furs  they  had  taken  during  their  winter's  hunt. 
Thus  dearly  did  they  pay  for  an  unprovoked  cx- 
curfion  to  fuch  a  diftance  from  the  route  they  ought 
to  have  purfued,  and  to  which  they  were  only  im- 
pelled by  a  fuddcn  defirc  of  cutting  off  fome  of  their 
ancient  enemies. 


i\ 


«3» 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


But  had  they  known  their  ftrcngth,  they  might 
have  dcftroycd  every  man  of  the  party  thatoppofed 
them  J  which  even  at  the  firft  onfct  was  only  incon^ 
fiderable,  and,  when  diminilhcd  by  the  a6Hon,  to- 
tally, unable  to  make  any  (land  againft  them. 

The  viftorious  bands  rewarded  the  Chi{*ways, 
who  had  been  the  means  of  their  fuccefs,  with  a 
Ihare  of  the  fpoils.  They  preffcd  them  to  take  any 
quantity  they  chofe  of  the  richeft  of  the  furs,  and 
fent  them  under  an  efcort  of  fifty,  men,  to  their  own 
country.  The  difinterefted  Chipeways,  as  the  In- 
dians in  general  arc  fcldom  a<5tuated  by  merrmary 
motives,  for  a  confiderable  time  refufcd  ihefe  pre- 
fcnts,  but  were  at  length  pcrfuaded  ro  except  of 
them. 


»r 


The  brave  and  well  concerted  refiftancc  here 
made  by  the  Ottagaumies  and  Saukies,  aided  by  the 
mediation  of  the  Chipeways,  who  laying  afide  on 
this  occafion  the  animofity  they  had  fo  long  borne 
thofe  people,  approved  of  the  generous  condu(^  of 
their  four  chiefs,  were  together  the  means  of  effedb- 
ing  a  reconciliation  between  thefe  nations i  and  in 
procefs  of  time  united  them  all  in  the  bands  of  amity. 

And  1  believe  that  all  the  Indians  inhabiting  that 
cxtenfive  country  which  lies  between  Quebec,  the 
banks  of  the  MiffiflTippi  north  of  the  Ouifconfin,  and 
the  fettlements  belonging  to  the  Hudfon*s  Bay  com- 
pany, are  at  prefent  in  a  ftate  of  profotmd  peace. 
When  their  reftlefs  difpofitions  will  not  fufFer  them 
to  remain  inadivc,  thefe  northern  Indians  feldom 
commit  hoftilities  on  each  other,  but  make  excurfi- 
ons  to  the  fouthward,  againft  the  Chcrokccs,  Chee- 
tahs, Chickfaws,  or  Illinois, 


CARVE  R»j    TRAVELS. 


*2I 


and 


Sometimes  the  Indians  grow  tired  of  a  war  which 
they  have  carried  on  againlt  fome  neighbouring  na- 
tion for  many  years  with  much  fuccefs,  and  in  this 
cafe  they  feek  for  mediators  to  begin  a  negociation, 
Thefe  being  obtained,  the  treaty  is  thus  conducted : 

A  number  of  iheir  own  chiefs,  joined  by  thofc 
who  have  accepted  the  friendly  office,  fet  out  toge- 
ther for  the  country  of  their  enemies  j  fuch  as  are 
chofen  for  this  purpofc,  are  chiefs  of  the  moft  cx- 
tenfive  abilities,  and  of  the  greatcft  integrity.  They 
bear  before  them  the  Pipe  of  Peace^  which  I  need 
not  inform  my  readers  is  of  the  fame  nature  as  a  Flag 
of  Truce  among  the  Europeans,  and  is  treated  with 
the  greateft  refpcd  and  veneration,  even  by  the  moft 
barbarous  nations.  I  never  heard  of  an  inftance 
wherein  the  bearers  of  this  facr^d  bridge  of  friendlhip 
,  were  ever  treated  difrefpeftfully,  or  its  rights  violat- 
ed. The  Indians  believe  that  the  Great  Spirit  ne- 
ver fuffers  an  infradion  of  this  kind  to  go  unpu< 
niihed. 

'  The  Pipe  of  Peace  which  is  termed  by  the  French 
the  Calumet,  for  what  rcafon  I  could  never  learuf 
is  about  four  feet  long.  The  bowl .  of  it  is  made  of 
red  marble,  and  the  ftem  of  it  of  a  light  wood, 
curioufly  painted  with  hieroglyphics  in  various  co- 
lours, and  adorned  with  feathers,  of  the  moft  beau- 
tiful birds  i  but  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  convey  an 
idea  of  the  various  tints  and  plcafing  ornaments  of 
this  much  eftecmed  Indian  implement/ 

.1 

Every  nation  has  a  different  method  of  decorating 
thefe  pipes,  and  they  can  tell  at  firft  fight  to  whac 
band  it  belongs.  Ic  is  ufed  as  an  introduflion  to  all 
treaties,  and  great  ceremony  attends. the  ufc  ofic  on 
thefe  oc^afions. 

Gg 


*« 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


The  alTiftant  or  aid-du-camp  of  the  great  warridf, 
when  the  chiefs  arc  afiemblcd  and  featcd)  fills  ic 
with  tobacco  mixed  with  the  herbs  before  m*^ntioried> 
taking  care  at  the  fame  time  that  no  part  of  it  touches 
the  ground.  When  it  is  filled,  he  takes  a  coll 
that  is  thoroughly  kindled,  from  a  fire  which  is  ge- 
nerally kept  burning  in  the  midft  of  the  affembly, 
and  places  it  on  the  tobacco. 

Aii  foon  as  it  is  fufficiently  lighted,  he  throws  ofF 
the  coal.  He  then  turns  the  ftem  of  it  towards  the 
heaven*,  after  this  towards  the  earth,  and  now  hold- 
ing it  horizontally,  moves  himfelf  round  till  he  has 
completed  a  circle  5  by  the  firft  aftioh  he  is  fuppofed 
to  prcfent  it  to  the  Great  Spirit,  whofe  aid  is  thereby 
funnlirsted;  by  the  fecond,  to  avert  any  malicious 
interpofition  of  the  evil  fpiritSi  and  by  tht  tliird  to 
gain  the  proteftion  of  the  fpirits  inhabiting  the  air, 
the  earth,  and  the  waters.  Having  thus  fecured 
the  favor  of  thbfe  invifiblc  agents,  in  whoic  power 
they  fuppofe  it  is  either  to  forward  or  obftrudt  the 
iffue  of  their  prefent  deliberations,  he  prefents  it  to 
the  hereditary  chief,  who  having  taken  two  or  three 
whifFs,  blows  the  fmoke  from  his  mouth  firft  towards 
heaven,  and  then  around  him  Upon  thegrotHnd. 

It  is  afterwards  put  in  the  fame  manner  into  the 
mouths  of  the  ambafladors  or  ftrangers.  Who  obferve 
the  fame  ceremony,  then  to  the  chief  of  the  warri- 
ors, and  to  ail  the  ether  chiefs  in  turn,  according  to 
their  gradation.  During  this  time  the  pcrfon  who 
executes  this  honorable  office  holds  the  pipe  (lightly 
in  his  hand,  as  if  he  feared  to  prefs  the  facrcd  in- 
ftrument;  nor  docs  any  one  prefume  to  touch  it  but 
with  his  lips. 

When  the  chiefs  who  arc  intrufted  with  the  com- 
miffion  for  making  peace,  approached  the  town  or 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


a^5 


camp  to  which  they  arc  going,  tlicy  begin  to  fing 
and  dance  the  fongs  and  danccu  appropriaie  i  to  this 
occafion.  By  this  time  the  adverlc  party  arc  apprifed 
of  their  arrival,  and,  at  the  fight  of  the  Pipe  of 
Peace,  divcfting  thcmfelves  of  their  wonted  enmity 
invite  them  to  the  habitpiiun  of  the  Great  Chief, 
and  furnifh  them  with  every  conv^nicncy  during  the 
negociation. 

A  council  is  then  held;  and  when  the  fpeeches 
and  debates  are  ended,  if  no  obftruftions  arife  to 
put  a  ftop  to  the  treaty,  the  painted  hatchet  is  buried 
m  the  ground,  as  a  memorial  chat  all  animofities 
between  the  contending  nations  have  ceafed,  and  a 
peace  taken  place.  Among  the  ruder  bands,  fuch 
as  have  no  communication  with  the  Europeans,  a 
war-club,  painted  red,  is  buried,  initead  of  the 
hatchet. 

A  belt  of  wampum  is  alfo  given  on  this  occafior, 
which  fcfves  as  a  ratification  of  the  peace,  and  re- 
cords to  the  htell  poiterity,  by  the  hieroglyphics 
into  which  the  beads  are  iormed,  every  ftipuiated 
article  in  the  treaty. 

Thefe  belts  are  made  of  (hells  found  on  the  coafts 
of  New-England  and  Virginia,  which  are  fawed  out 
into  beads  of  an  obiong  fcrm,  about  a  quarter  of  an 
inch  long,  and  round  like  other  bei^Is.  Being  ftrung 
on  leather  Itrings,  and  feveral  ot  them  fevved  neatly 
together  with  fine  fmewy  threads,  they  then  compoli: 
what  is  termed  a  belt  of  Wampum^ 

The  (hells  are  generally  of  two  colours,  fome 
white  and  others  viokt;  but  the  latter  arc  more 
highly  efleemed  than  the  former.  They  are  held 
in  as  much  ellimadonby  the  Indians,  as  gold,  filver^w 
QT  precious  ilgn^s^  are  by  the  Euiopcans^ 


256 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    T  R  A  V  E  X.  S. 


The  belts  are  compofed  of  ten,  twelve,  or  a 
greater  number  of  firings,  according  to  the  impor- 
tance of  the  affair  in  agitation,  or  the  dignity  ot  the 
perfon  to  whom  it  is  p  Rented.  Oh  more  trifling 
pccafions,  firings  of  thelii  beads  arc  prefented  by  the 
chiefs  to  each  other,  and  frequently  worn  by  them 
abqpt  their  necks,  as  a  valuable  ornamcnc. 


CARVER'a    TRAVEI^S. 


*|7 


C  H  A  P  T  E  R    XI. 


Of  their  Games, 


A: 


S  I  have  before  obferved,  the  Indians  are 
greatly  addifted  to  gaming,  and  will  even  flake^ 
and  lofe  with  compofiire,  all  the  valuables  they  are 
poflefled  of.  They  amufe  themfelves  at  fevcral 
forts  of  games,  but  tht  principal  and  moft  efteemed 
among  them  is  that  of  the  ball,  which  is  not  unlike 
the  European  game  of  tennis. 

The  balls  they  ufe  are  rather  larger  than  thofc 
made  ufe  of  at  tennis,  "and  are  formed  of  a  piece  of 
deer- (kin;  which  being  moiftcned  to  render  it  fup- 
plc,  is  ilufFed  hard  with  the  hair  of  the  fame  crea- 
ture, aod  fewed  with  its  r'ncws.  The  ball-fticks 
are  about  three  feet  long,  at  the  end  of  which  there 
is  fixed  a  kind  of  racket,  refcmblin^  the  palm  of  the 
hand,  and  fafhioncd  of  thongs  cut  from  a  4€;er-fkin. 
In  thefe  they  catch  the  ball,  and  throw  it  to  a  great 
diftance,  if  they  are  not  prevented  by  fome  of  the 
oppofite  party,  who  fly  to  intercept  it. 

This  game  is  generally  played  by  large  compa- 
nies, that  fomctimes  confift  of  more  than  three  hun- 
dred i  and  it  is  not  uncommon  for  different  bands  to 
play  againft  each  other, 


t38 


CARVE  R's   TRAVELS. 


W  * 


They  bcgii  by  fixing  two  poles  in  the  ground  at 
about  fix  hundred  yards  apart,  and  one  of  thefc 
goals  belong  to  each  party  of  the  combatants.  The 
ball  is  thrown  up  high  in  the  centre'  of  the  ground> 
and  in  a  dired  line  between  the  goals  j  towards  which 
each  party  endeavours  to  fl:rikc  it,  and  whichfoevcr 
fide  firft  caufes  it  to  reach  their  own  goal,  reckons 
towards  the  game. 

They  are  fo  exceeding  dextrous  in  this  manly  ex- 
ercife,  that  the  ball  is  ufually  kept  flying  in  different 
direftions  by  the  force  of  the  rackets,  without  touch- 
ing the  ground  during  thci  whole  contention  i  for 
they  are  not  allowed  to  catch  it  with  their  hands. 
They  run  with  amazing  velocity  in  pWfuit  of  each 
other,  and  wfien  one  is  on  the  point  of  hurling  it  to 
4  great  diftance^  an  antagonift  overtakes  him,  and 
by  4  fudden  ftroke  daihes  down  the  ball. 

They  play  with  fo  much  vehemence' that  they 
frequently  wound  each  other,  and  fometimes  a  bone 
is  broken  j  but  notwithftanding  thefe  accidents  there 
never  appears  to  be  any  fpite  or  wanton  exertions  of 
ftrcngth  to  efFed  them,  noc  do  any  difpytes  ever 
happen  between  the  parties. 

There  is  another  game  alio  in  ufe  among  them 
t7orthy  of  remark,  and  this  is  the  game  of  the  Bowl 
or  Platter.  This  game  is  played  between  two  per-< 
fons  only.  Each  perfon  has  fix  or  eight  little  bones 
not  unlike  a  pcach-ftonc  either  in  fize  orlhape,  except 
they  are  quadrangular;  two  of  the  fides  of  which  are 
coloured  black,  and  the  others  white.  Thefe  they 
throw  up  into  the  air,  from  whence  they  f:ill  into  a 
bowl  or  platter  placed  under-neath,  and  macu^  to 
fpin  round. 

According  as  thefe  bones  prcfcnt  the  white  or 
black  fide  upwards  ^hey  reckon  the  game>   he  that 


them 
Bowl 


C  A  R  V  E  R  's    T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 


i 


happens  to  have  the  greatcft  number  turn  up  of  a 
fimilar  colour,  counts  five  points;  and  forty  is  the 
game.  ^ 

The  winning  party  keeps  his  place,  and  the  lofer* 
yields  his  to  another  who  is  appointed  by  one  of  the 
umpires;  for  a  whole  village  is  fometimes  concerned 
in  the  party,  and  at  times  one  band  plays  againd: 
another. 

During  this  play  the  Indians  appear  to  be  greatly 
agitated,  and  at  every  decifive  throw  fetup  a  hideous 
ihout.  They  make  a  thoufand  contortions^  addref- 
fmg  themfciyes  at  the  fame  time  to  the  bones,  and 
loading  with  imprecations  the  evil  fpirits  that  aflifl: 
their  fuccefsful  antagonifts. 

At  this  game  fome  will  lofe  their  apparel,  al!  the 
xftov^ables  of  their  cabins,  and  fometimes  even  their 
liberty;  notwithftanding  there  arc  no  people  in  the 
uni^erfe  more  jealous  of  jix  Utter  than  the  Indians 
ace. 


except 
ch  ar<? 
:  they 
nto  a 
lae  to 


i 


ute  or 
that 


«l^ 


CA  5  Y  E  R's    T  R  A  V^  E  LS. 


CHAPTER    XIL 


Of  their  Marriage  Ceremonies y  i£c. 


JL  H  E  Indians  allow  of  polygamy,  and  per- 
fons  of  every  rank  indulge  themfelves  in  this  point. 
The  chiefs  in  particular  have  a  feraglio,  which  con- 
fifts  of  an  uncertain  number,  ufually  from  fix  .to 
twelve  or  fourteen.  The  lower  ranks  are  permitted 
to  take  as  many  as  there  is  a  probability  of  their  being 
able,  with  the  children  they  may  bear,  to  maintain. 
It  is  not  uncommon  for  an  Indian  to  marry  two  fif- 
tersi  fomecimes,  if  there  happen  to  be  more,  the 
whole  number  i  and  notwithftanding  this  (asitappears 
to  civilized  nations)  unnatural  union,  they  all  live  in 
the  greateft  harmony.  '^ 

The  younger  wives  are  fubmiflive  to  the  elder; 
and  thofe  who  have  no  children,  do  fuch  menial 
offices  for  thofe  who  are  fertile,  as  caufes  their  fitu- 
ation  to  differ  but  little  from  a  ftate  of  fervitude. 
However  they  perform  every  injundion  with  the 
greateft  cheerfulnefs,  in  hopes  of  gaining  thereby  the 
affedlion  of  their  hufband,  that  they  in  their  turns 
may  have  the  happinefs  of  becoming  mothers,  and 
be  entitled  to  the  rcfpcd  attendant  on  that  ftate. 


at 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


i^ 


It  is  not  uncommon  for  an  Indian,  although  he 
takes  to  himfelf  fo  many  wives,  to  live  in  a  ftate  of 
continence  with  many  of  them  for  fcveral  years. 
Such  as  are  not  fo  fortunate  as  to  gain  the  favor  of 
their  huiband,  by  their  fubmiflive  and  prudent  be- 
haviour, and  by  that  means  to  fliarc  in  his  embrace^ 
continue  in  their  vir[Mn  ftate  during  the  whole  of 
their  lives,  except  they  happen  to  be  prefented  by 
him  to  fome  ftrahger  Chief,  whofe  abode  among  them 
will  not  admit  of  his  entering  into  a  morelafting 
connexion.  In  this  cafe  they  fubmit  to  the  injunc* 
tion  of  their  hufband  without  murmuring,  and  are 
not  difpleafed  at  the  temporary  union.  But  if  at 
any  time  it  is  known  that  they  take  this  liberty  with- 
out firft  receiving  his  confent,  they  are  punifhed 
in  the  fame  manner  as  if  they  had  been  guilty  of 
adultery. 

This  cuftom  is  more  prevalent  among  the  nations 
which  lie  into  the  interior  parts,  than  among  thofe 
that  are  nearer  the  fcttlemcnts,  as  the  manners  of  the 
latter  are  rendered  more  conformable  in  fome  points 
to  thofe  of  the  Europeans^  by  the  intercourfc  they 
hold  with  them* 

The  Indian  nations  differ  but  little  from  each  other 
in  their  marriage  ceremonies,  and  lefs  in  the  manner 
of  their  divorces.  The  tribes  that  inhabit  the  bor*, 
ders  of  Canada,  make  ufe  of  the  following  cuftom. 

When  a  young  Indian  has  fixed  his  inclinations 
en  one  of  the  other  fex,  he  endeavours  to  gain  her 
confent,  and  if  he  fucceeds,  it  is  never  known  that 
her  parents  ever  obftrudt  their  union.  When  evcrf 
preliminary  is  agreed  on,  and  the  day  appointed, 
the  friends  and  acquaintance  of  both  parties  aflemble 
at  the  houfe  or  ten:  of  the  oldeft  relation  pf  the 

Hh 


*4* 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


bridegroom,  where  a  fcaft  is  prepared  on  the  oc* 
cafion* 

The  company  who  meet  to  affift  at  the  fcftival 
are  fomctimcs  very  numerous;  they  dance,  they 
fmg,  and  enter  into  cv^ery  other  diverhon  ufually 
made  ufe  of  on  any  of  their  public  rejoicings. 

When  thefc  are  finifhed,  all  thofe  who  attended 
merely  out  of  ceremc  y  dr  -t,  and  the  bridegroom 
and  bride  are  left  aloike  with  three  or  four  of  the 
neareft  and  oldeft  relati  >n:i  a'  either  fide;  thofe  of 
the  bridegroom  being  men,  anj  hofc  of  the  bridc> 
Women.  ^ 

Prefently  the  bride,  attended  by  thefe  few  friends, 
having  withdrawn  herfclf  for  the  purpofe,  appears 
at  one  of  tnc  doors  of  the  houfe,  and  is  led  to  the 
bridgroom,  who  ftands  ready  to  receive  her.  Plav- 
ing  now  taken  their  ftation,  on  a  mat  placed  in  the 
centre  of  the  room,  they  lay  hold  of  the  extremities 
of  a  wand,  about  four  feet  long,  by  which  they  con- 
tinue feparated,  whilft  the  old  men  pronounce 
fome  fhort  harangues  fuitablc  to  the  occafion. 

The  married  couple  after  this  make  a  public  de» 
claration  of  the  love  and  regard  they  entertain  for 
each  other,  and  ftill  holding  the  rod  between  them, 
dance  and  fing.  When  they  have  finilhed  this  part 
of  the  ceremony,  they  break  the  rod  into  as  many 
pieces  as  there  are  witneffcs  prefent,  who  each  take 
a  piece,  and  preferve  it  with  great  care* 

*  The  bride  is  then  recondiifted  out  of  the  door  at 
which  Ihe  entered,  where  her  young  companions 
wait  to  attend  her  to  her  father's  houfe;  there  the 
bridegroom  is  obliged  to  feek  her,  and  the  marriage 
is  confummated.     very  often  the  wife  remains  at 


CARVE  R»s    TRAVELS, 


*43 


her  father's  houfc  till  fhc  has  a  child,  when  (he  packs 
up  her  apparel,  which  is  all  the  fortune  ihe  is  genct 
rally  pollened  of,  and  accompanies  her  hulband  to 
his  habitation. 

When  from  any  diflikc  a  feparation  takes  place^ 
for  they  arc  fcldom  known  to  quarrel,  they  gene- 
rally give  their  friends  a  few  days  notice  of  their  in- 
tentions, and  fometimes  offer  reafons  to  juftify  their 
condu6t.  The  witnculr  who  were  prcfent  at  the 
marriage,  meet  on  the  day  requefted,  at  the  houfe 
of  the  couple  that  are  about  to  feparate,  and  bringing 
with  them  the  pieces  of  rod  which  they  had  received 
»t  their  nuptials,  throw  them  into  the  fire,  in  the 
prcfencc  of  all  the  parties, 

This  is  the  whole  of  the  ceremony  required,  and 
the  feparation  is  carried  on  without  any  murmur- 
ings  or  ill-will  between  the  couple  or  their  relations;, 
and  after  a  few  months  they  arc  a.%  liberty  to  marry 
again. 

When  a  marriage  is  thus.  dilTolved,  the  children 
which  have  been  produced  from  it,  are  equally'  di-. 
vided  between  them  J  and  as  children  are  efteeme4 
a  trcafure  by  the  Indians,  if  the  number  happens  to 
be  odd,  the  wom^n  is  allowed  to  take  the  better 
half. 

Though  this  cuftom  fcems  to  encourage  fickle-, 
nefs  and  frequent  feparations,  yet  there  are  many 
of  the  Indians  who  have  but  one  wife,  and  enjoy 
with  her  a  fta;c  of  connubial  happinefs  not  to  b^ 
exceeded  in  more  refined  focieties^  There  are  alf<]^ 
not  a  few  inftances  of  women  preferving  an  inviola-. 
ble  attachment  to  their  h^lbands^  except  in  the  cafes 
beforementioncd,  which  are  not  confidcreci  as  either: 
5^  yioUtionof  their  Qhaftityor  fidelityt 


»44 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


Although  I  have  faid  that  the  Indian  naiions  diffci' 
vcrv  iittlc  from  each  other  in  their  niarria2;c  ceremo- 
there  are  fome  exceptions.    Tiic  Naudoweflies 


nies, 


have  a  Angular  method  of  celebrating  their  marri- 
ages, which  fcems  to  bear  no  rcfcmblance  to  thofc 
made  ufe  of  by  any  other  nation  I  paffed  through. 
When  one  of  their  young  men  has  fixed  en  a  young 
woman  he  approves  of,  he  difcovcrs  his  paiTion  to 
her  parents,  who  give  him  an  invitation  to  come  and 
live  with  them  in  their  tent. 

He  accordingly  accepts  the  offer,  and  by  fo  doing 
engages  to  refide  in  it  for  a  whole  year,  in  the  charac- 
ter of  a  menial  fervant.  During  this  time  he  hunts, 
and  brings  all  the  game  he  kills  to  the  family j  by 
which  means  the  father  has  an  opportunity  of  feeing 
whether  he  is  able  to  provide  for  the  fupport  of  his 
daughter  and  the  children  that  might  be  the  confe- 
querhce  of  their  union.  This  however  is  only  done 
whilft  they  are  young  men,  and  for  their  firft  wife, 
^nd  not  repeated  like  Jacob's  fcrvitudes. 

When  this  period  is  expired,  the  marriage  is  fo- 
lemnized  after  the  cuftomof  the  sountry,  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner  :  Three  or  four  of  the  oldeft  male 
relations  of  the  bridegroom,  and  as  many  of  the 
bride's,  accompany  the  young  couple  from  their  ref- 
pedive  tents,  to  an  open  part  i^  the  centre  of  the 
camp. 

The  chiefs  and  warriors,  being  here  aflTembled  to 
receive  them,  a  party  of  the  latter  are  drawn  up  into 
two  ranks  on  each  fide  of  the  bride  and  bridegroom 
immediately  on  their  arrival.  Their  principal 
chiefs  then  acquaints  the  whole  affembly  with  the 
defiga  of  their  qieeting,  and  tells  them  that  the 
couple  before  them,  mentioning  at  the  fame  time 
^heir  names,  are  come  to  avow  publicly   their  iH« 


CARVE  R'«    TRAVELS. 


245 


tendons  of  living  together  as  man  and  vtu  \  He 
then  afks  the  two  young  people  alternately,  whe- 
ther they  dcfire  that  the  union  might  take  place. 
Having  declared  with  an  audible  voice  that  they  do 
fo,  the  warriors  fix  their  arrows,  and  difcharge  them 
over  the  heads  of  the  married  pair;  this  done,  the 
chief  pronounces  them  man  and  wife. 

The  bridegroom  then  turns  round,  and  bending 
his  body,  takes  his  wife  on  hisback,  in  which  man- 
ner he  carries  her  amidft  the  acclamations  of  the 
fpeftators  to  his  tent.  The  ceremony  is  fucccedcd  by 
the  moll  plentiful  fcaft  the  new  married  man  can 
afford,  and  fongs  and  dances,  according  to  the  ufual 
pujlom,  conclude  the  fcftival. 

Divorces  happen  fo  feldom  among  the  Naiidowef- 
iies,  that  I  had  not  an  opportunity  of  learning  how 
ichey  are  accomplilhed. 

Adultery  is  efteemed  by  them  a  heinous  crime,  and 
punifhcd  with  the  greatcft  rigor.  The  hulband  in 
thefe  cafes  bites  ofFthe  wife's  nofe,  and  a  feparatifen 
inftantly  enfucs.  I  faw  an  inftance  wherein  this  mode 
of  punilhment  was  inflifled,  whilft  I  remained  among 
them.  The  children,  when  this  happens,  are  diftri- 
buted  according  to  the  ufual  cuftom  obferved  by 
pthtr  nations,  that  is,  they  are  equally  divided. 

Among  the  Indian  as  well  as  European  nations, 
^here  are  many  thatde vote  thcmfelves to  pleafure,  and 
notwithftanding  the  accounts  given  by  fome  modern 
writers  of  the  frigidity  of  an  Indian  conftitution,  be- 
come the  zealous  votaries  of  Venus.  The  young 
warriors  that  arc  thus  difpofed,  feldom  want  oppor- 
tunities for  gratifying  their  paffion  j  and  as  the  mode 
ufualy  followed  on  thefe  oc^afions  is  rather  Angular, 
}  ihalldefcribe  it. 


4^  CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 

When  one  of  thtfe  young  debauchees  imagine^ 
from  the  behaviour  of  the  pcrfon  he  has  chofen  for 
his  miftrefs,  that  he  fliall  not  meet  with  any  great 
obftruftion  to  his  fyit  from  her,  he  purfucs  the  fol- 
lowing plan. 

It  has  been  already  obferveJ,  that  the  Indiani 
acknowledge  no  fuperiority,  nor  have  they  any  ideas 
of  fubordination,  except  in  the  necelTary  regulations 
ofthciiwaror  hunting  parties;  they  confequently 
\ive  nearly  in  a  ftatc  ofcqualiry,  purfuant  to  the  firft; 
principles  of  nature.  The  lover  therefore  is  not  ap- 
prehenfive  of  any  check  or  control  in  the  accom- 
plilhment  of  his  purpofes,  if  he  can  find  a  convcni* 
cnt  opportunity  for  completing  them. 

As  the  Indians  are  alfo  under  no  apprehenfion  of 
robbers,  or  fecret  enemies,  they  leave  the  doors  of 
their  tents  or  huts  unfaflened  during  the  night,  as 
■well  as  in  the  day.  Two  or  three  hours  after  furifet, 
the  flaves  or  old  people  cover  over  the  fire,  that  is 
generally  burning  in  the  midft  of  their  apartment, 
"with  a£hes,  and  retire  to  their  repofe. 

Whilfl;  darknefs  thus  prevails,  and  all  b  quiet,^ 
©ne  of  thefe  fons  of  pleafure,  wrapped  up  clofely  in 
his  blanket,  to  pre  vent  his  being  kaown,  will  fome- 
timcs  enter  the  apartment  of  his  intended  miftrefs.. 
Haying  firft,  lighted  at  the  fmothered  fire  a  fmall 
fplinter  of  wood,  which  anfwers  the  purpofc  of  a 
match,  he  approaches  the  place  where  ftie  repofcs, 
and  gently  pulling  away  the  covering  froni  the  head,^ 
logs  her  till  ftie  awakes.  If  Ihe  then  rifes  up,  an4 
blows  out  the  light,  he  needs  no  further  confirma- 
tion that  his  company  is  not  difagpeeable  j  but  if, 
after  he  has  difcovered  himfelf,  flie  hides  her  head> 
and  takes  no  notice  of  him^  h^  flight  ?cft  aflur^di 


to 


C  A  R  V  £  R't    TRAVELS. 


^t 


and^ 
ma- 

It  if,, 
ead,. 


that  any  further  folicitations  will  prove  vain,  and 
chit  it  is  nccciTary  immediately  for  him  to  retire. 

During  his  Hay  he  conceals  the  light  as  much  a^ 
poflTible  in  the  huUow  of  his  hands,  and  as  the  tents 
or  rooms  of  the  Indians  are  ufually  large  and  capaci- 
ous, he  efcapes  without  detection.  It  is  faid  that  the 
young  women  who  admit  their  lovers  on  thefe  occa> 
(ions,  take  great  care,  by  an  immediate  application 
to  herbs,  with  the  potent  efficacy  of  which  they  are 
well  acquainted,  to  prevent  the  effcdts  of  thefe  illicit 
amours  from  becoming  vifible  j  for  fhould  the  natu- 
ral confcquences  enfue,  they  muft  for  ever  remain 

unmarried. 

■  t 

The  children  of  the  Indians  are  always  diftin- 
guilhed  by  the  name  of  the  mother :  and  if  a  woman 
marries  feveral  hulbands,  and  has  iffue  by  each  of 
them,  they  are  all  called  after  her.  The  rcafon  they 
give  for  this  is,  that  as  their  offspring  are  indebted 
to  the  father  for  their  fouls,  the  invifible  part  of 
their  effence,  and  to  the  mother  for  their  corporeal 
and  apparent  part,  it  is  more  rational  that  they 
fhould  be  diftinguilhed  by  the  name  of  the  latter^ 
from  whom  they  indubitably  derive  their  being, 
than  by  that  of  the  father,  to  which  a  doubt  might 
fometimes  arife  whether  they  are  juflly  entitled. 

There  arj  fome  ceremonies  made  lift  of  by  the 
Indians  at  the  impofition  of  the  name,  and  it  is  con- 
fidcred  by  them  as  a  matter  of  great  importance  j 
but  what  thefe  are  I  could  never  learn,  through  the 
fecrecy  obferved  on  the  occafion*  I  only  know  that 
it  is  ufually  given  when  the  children  have  paffed  the 
Hate  of  infancyi 

Nothing  can  exceed  the  tenderncfs  fhewn  by  them 
to  their  offspring ;  and  a  perfon  cannot  recommend 


f4« 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


himfelf  to  their  favour  by  any  method  more  ccrtalri> 
than  by  paying  fome  attention  to  the  younger  bran- 
ches of  their  families.  I  can  impute,  in  fome  mea- 
fure,  to  the  prefents  I  made  to  the  children  of  the 
chiefs  of  the  Naudowtflies,  the  hofpitable  reception 
I  met  with  when  among  them* 

There  is  fome  difficulty  attends  an  explanation  of 
the  manner  in  which  the  Indians  diftinguifh  them- 
lelves  from  each  other.  Bcfides  the  name  of  the 
animal  by  which  every  nation  and  tribe  is  denomi- 
nated, there  are  others  that  are  perfonal,  and  which 
the  children  receive  from  their  mother* 

The  chiefs  are  alfo  diftinguifhed  by  a  name  that 
has  either  fome  reference  to  their  abilities,  or  to  the 
hieroglyphic  of  their  families  j  and  thcfe  are  ac-* 
quired  after  they  arrive  at  the  age  of  manhood. 
Such  as  have  fignalized  themfelves  either  in  their 
war  or  hunting  parties,  or  arc  poflfefTed  of  fome  emi- 
nent qualification,  receive  a  name  that  fcrves  to  per- 
petuate the  fame  of  their  adions  or  to  make  their 
abilities  confpicuous^ 

Thus  the  great  warrior  of  the  NaudowelBes  was 
named  Ottahtongoomlifhcah,  that  is,  the  Great  Fa- 
ther of  Snakes  :  ottah  being  in  Englifh  father,  ton- 
goom  great,  and  lilhcah  a  fnake.  Anoth'er  chief 
was  called  Honahpawjatin,  which  means  a  fwift  run- 
ner over  the  mountains.  And  when  they  adopted 
me  a  chief  among  them,  they  named  me  Shebaygoy 
vhich  fignifies  a  writer,  or  a  perfon  that  is  curious 
in  making  hierCj,./phics,  as  they  faw  me  often  wri- 
ting. 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


^9 


CHAPTER     Xlli. 


Of  their  Religion. 


I' 


^T  is  very  difficult  to  attain  a  perfc6l  know- 
ledge of  the  religious  principles  or  the  Indians. 
Their  ceremonies  and  doctrines  have  been  fo  often 
ridiculed  by  the  Europeans^  that  they  endeavour  to 
conceal  them ;  and  if,  after  the  greateft  intimacy, 
you  defire  any  of  them  to  explain  to  you  their  fyftem 
of  religion,  to  prevent  your  ridicule,  they  intermix 
with  it  many  of  the  tenets  they  have  received  from 
the  French  miflionaries,  fo  that  it  is  at  laft  rendered 
an  unintelligible  jargon  and  not  to  be  depended 
upon. 

Such  as  I  could  difcover  among  the  Naudoweffies 
(for  they  alfo  were  very  referved  in  this  point)  I  ihall 
give  my  readers,  without  paying  any  attention  to 
the  accounts  of  others.  As  the  religion  of  that  peo- 
ple from  thcii  iT':uation  appears  to  be  totally  unadul- 
terated with  the  fuperftitions  of  the  church  of  Rome, 
we  (hall  be  able  to  gain  from  their  religious  cuftoms 
a  more  perfect  idea  of  the  original  tenets  and  cere- 
monies of  the  Indians  in  general,  than  from  thofe  of 
any  nations  that  approach  nearer  to  the  fettlements. 

It  is  certain  they  acknov/ledge  one  Supreme  Be- 
ing, or  Giver  of  Life,  who  prcfides  over  all  things. 

I  i 


fcijfe 


CARVE  kU    T  R  A  V  E  L  1 


The  Chipeways  call  this  Being  Manitou,  or  Kitchi 
Manitoui  the  Naudoweflies,  Wakon  or  Tongo* 
Wakon,  that  i^,  the  Great  Spirit  j  and  thty  look 
up  to  hiiii  as  the  fourcc  of  good,  from  whom  no 
evil  can  proceed.  They  alfo  believe  in  a  bad  fpirit, 
to  whom  they  afcribe  great  power,  and  fuppofe 
that  through  his  means  all  the  evils  which  bcfal  man- 
kind are  inflicflcd.  To  him  therefore  do  they  pray 
in  their  diftreffes,  begging  that  he  would  cithe  r  avert 
their  troubles,  or  moderate  them  when  they  are  no 
longer  avoidable. 

They  fay  that  the  Great  Spirit,  who  is  infinitely 
good  neither  wilhes  or  is  able  to  do  any  mifchief  to 
mankind;  but  on  the  contrary,  that  he  Ihowers 
down  on  them  all  the  blefijngs  they  defcrvc  j  whereas 
the  evil  fpirit  is  continually  employed  in  contriving 
how  he  may  punijfh  the  human  race  j  and  to  do  which 
he  is  not  only  poflefled  of  the  will^  but  of  the  power. 

They  hold  alfo  that  there  are  good  fpirits  of  a  lef- 
fer  degree,  who  have  their  particular  departments, 
in  which  they  are  conftantly  contributing  to  the  hap- 
pinefs  of  mortals.  Thefe  they  fuppofe  to  prefide  over 
all  the  extraordinary  produdlons  of  nature,  fuch  as 
thofe  lakes,  rivers,  or  mountains  that  arc  of  an  un- 
common magnitude  j  and-likewife  the  beafts,  birds, 
filhes,  and  even  vegetables,  or  ftones  that  exceed 
the  reft  of  their  fpccies  in  fize  or  fmgularity-  To  all 
of  thefe  tJiey  pay  fome  kind  of  adoration.  Thus 
when  they  arrive  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Superior, 
on  the  banks  of  the  Mifiifllppi,  or  any  other  great 
body  of  water,  they  prefent  to  the  Spirit  who  refides 
tliere  fome  kind  of  offering,  as  the  prince  of  the 
Winnebagoes  did  when  he  attended  me  to  the  Falls 
of  St.  Anthony. 


CARVE  R's     TRAVELS. 


25  < 


But  at  the  fame  time  I  fancy  that  the  ideas  they 
annex  to  the  word  fpirit,  are  very  different  from 
the  conceptions  more  enlightened  nations  entertain 
of  it.  They  appear  to  faihion  to  themfelves  corpo- 
real reprefentations  of  their  gods,  and  believe  them 
to  be  of  a  human  form,  though  of  a  nature  more 
excellent  than  man. 

Of  the  fame  kind  arc  their  fentiments  relative  to  4 
futurity.  They  doubt  not  but  they  fhall  exill  in 
fome  future  (latei  they  however  fancy  that  their 
employments  there  will  be  fimilar  to  thofe  they  arc 
engaged  in  here,  without  the  labor  and  difficulties 
annexed  to  them  in  this  period  of  their  exigence. 

They  confcqucntly  expedl  to  be  tranfl-.ted  to  ^ 
delightful  country,  where  they  Ihall  always  have  a 
clxjar  unclouded  Iky,  and  enjoy  a  perpetual  fpring ; 
where  the  forefts  v/ill  abound  with  game,  and  the 
lakes  with  fifh,  which  might  be  taken  without  a 
painful  exertion  of  Ikill,  or  a  laborious  purfuit  j  in 
,fhort,  that  they  fhall  live  for  ever  in  regions  of 
plenty,  and  enjoy  every  gratification  they  delight  in 
here,  in  a  greater  degree. 

To  intellcdual  pleafures  they  are  ftrangers  j  nor 
are  thefc  included  in  their  fchcme  of  happinefs.  But 
they  expc£k  that  even  thefc  animal  pleafures  will  be 
proportioned  and  diftributed  according  to  their  meritj 
the  fkilful  hunter,  the  bold  and  fuccefaful  warrior, 
will  be  entitled  to  a  greater  fhare  than  thofe  who 
through  indolence  or  want  of  flcill  cannot  boaft  of 
any  fuperioity  over  the  common  herd. 

The  priefts  of  the  Indians  are  at  the  fame,  time 
their  phyficians,  and  their  conjurers  i  whilil  they 
heal  their  wounds  or  cure  their  difeafcs,  they  inter- 
pret their  dreams,  give  them  protedive  charms,  txnd, 


tSZ 


CARVER»s    TRAVELS. 


■'^ 


farisfy  that  dcfire  which  is  fo  prevalent  among  them, 
of  fearching  into  futurity. 

How  well  they  execute  the  latter  part  of  their 
profeflional  engagements,  and  the  methods  they 
make  ufe  of  on  fome  of  thefe  occafions,  I  have  al- 
ready {hewn  in  the  exertions  of  the  prieft  of  the 
Killiftinocs,  who  was  fortunate  enough  to  fucceed 
in  his  extraordinary  attempt  near  Lake  Superior. 
They  frequently  are  fucceilful  like«vife  in  adminif- 
tering  the  falubrious  herbs  they  have  acquired  a 
knowledge  ofj  but  that  the  ceremonies  they  make 
ufe  of  during  the  adminiftration  of  them  contri- 
butes to  their  fuccefs,  I  fhall  not  take  upon  me  to 
alTert. 

When  any  of  the  people  are  ill,  the  pi:rfon  who 
is  inverted  with  this  triple  charafter  of  doftor,  prieft, 
and  magician,  fits  by  the  patient  day  and  night,  rat- 
tling in  his  ears  a  gc,u/d-lnell  filled  with  dry  be;^ns, 
called  a  Chichicoue,  and  ipakingadifagreeable  noiiv* 
f  hat  cannot  be  well  dcfcribed. 

This  uncouth  harmony  one  woula  i/ragine  fhould 

ffedis 


OOCi 


difturb  the  fick  perfon,  and  prevent  rhe 
of  the  dodor's  prefeription ;  but  on  tS^-  contrary 
they  believe  that  the  method  made  ufe  of  contributes 
to  his  recovery,  by  diverting  from  his  malignant 
purpofes  the  evil  fpirit  who  has  inflidlied  the  difor- 
der;  or  at  leaft  that  it  will  take  off  his  attention, 
fo  that  he  fnall  not  increafe  the  malady.  This 
they  arc  credulous  enough  to  imagine  he  is  con- 
ftantly  on  the  watch  to  do,  and  would  caryy  his  in- 
veterricy  to  a  fatal  length  if  they  did, not  thus  charm 
him. 


pth 


ifcover  that  ti.ey  make  ufe  of  any 
erciionies  than  thofe  I-  have  def- 


e  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


«53 


cribcdj  indeed,  on  the  appearance  of  the  new- 
moon  they  dance  and  fingj  but  it  is  not  evident  that 
they  pay  that  planet  any  adoration  j  they  only  feem 
to  rejoice  at  the  return  of  a  luminary  that  makes  the 
night  cheerful,  and  which  fervcs  to  light  them  on 
their  way  when  they  travel  during  the  abfence  of 
the  fun. 

Notwithdanding  Mr.  Adair  has  aflerted  that  the 
nations  among  whom  he  refided,  obferve  with 
very  little  variation  all  the  rites  appointed  by 
the  Mofaic  Law.  I  own  I  could  never  difcover 
among  thofe  tribes  that  lie  but  a  few  degrees  to  the 
north-weft,  the  leaft  traces  of  the  Jewiih  religion, 
except  it  be  admitted  that  one  particular  female 
cuftom  and  their  divifion  into  tribes,  carry  with' 
them  proofs  fufficient  to  cftablilh  this  aflertion. 

The  Jefuits  and  French  miffionaries  have  alfo 
pretended  that  the  Indians  had,  when  they  firft  tra- 
velled into  America,  fome  notions,  though  thefc 
were  dark  and  confufed,  of  the  chriftian  inftitution; 
jhat  they  have  been  greatly  agitated  at  the  fight  of  a 
crofs,  and  given  proofs,  by  the  imprtffions  made 
Oil  them,  that  they  were  not  entirely  unacquainted 
with  the  facred  myfteries  of  Chriftianity.  I  need 
not  fay  that  thefe  are  too  glaring  abfurdities  to  be 
credited,  and  could  only  receive  their  exiftence  from 
the  zeal  of  thofe  fathers,  who  endeavoured  at  once 
to  give  the  public  a  better  opinion  of  the  fuccefs  of 
their  miffions,  and  to  add  fupport  to  the  caufe  they 
yi^ere  engaged  in. 

The  Indians  appear  to  be  in  their  religious  prin- 
ciples, rude  and  uninftrudled.  The  do6trint:s  they 
hold  are  few  and  fimple,  and  fuch  a^  have  been  ge- 
jitrally  imprfflcd   on  the  human  mind,   by  fome 


I 


»S4 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


means  or  other,  in  the  moft  ignorant  ages.  They 
however  have  not  deviated,  as  many  other  uncivi- 
lized nations,  and  too  many  civilized  ones  have 
done,  into  idolatrous  modes  of  worfhipi  they  ve- 
nerate indeed,  and  make  offerings  to  the  wonderful 
parts  of  the  creation,  as  I  have  before  obfervedj  but 
whether  thefe  rites  are  performed  on  account  of  the 
impreflion  fiich  extraordinary  appearances  make  on 
them,  or  w^hether  they  confidcr  them  as  the  pecu- 
liar charge,  or  the  ufual  places  of  refidence  of  the 
invifible  fpirits  they  acknowledge,  I  cannot  pofi- 
tively  determine. 

The  human  mind  in  its  uncultivated  ftate  is  apt 
to  afcribe  the  extraordinary  occurrences  of  nature, 
fuch  as  earthquakes,  thunder,  or  hurricanes,  to  the 
interpofirion  of  unfcen  beings;  the  troubles  and  dif- 
ailcrs  aUb  that  are  annexed  to  a  favage  life,  the  ap- 
prehenlions  atcendmt  on  a  precarious  fubfiftcncc 
and  thofe  numbe-lefs  inconveniences  which  man  in 
his  improved  ILue  has  found  means  to  ren;_dy,  are 
fuppoled  to  proceed  from  the  interpofition  of  evil 
fpirits  J  the  favage  confequently  lives  in  continual 
apprehenfions  of  their  unkind  attacks,  and  to  avert 
them  has  recourfe  to  charms,  to  the  fantaftic  cere- 
monies of  his  pneft,  or  the  powerful  influence  of 
his  Manitous.  Fear  has  of  courfu  a  greater  fharc  in 
his  devotions  than  gratirude,  and  he  pays  more  at- 
tenticTi  to  deprecating  the  wrath  of  the  evil  than  to 
I'Xuring  the  favor  of  the  good  beings. 

The  Indians,  however,  entertain  thefe  abfurdities 
in  common  with  thofe  of  every  part  of  the  globe 
who  have  not  been  illumined  by  that  religion  which 
only  tan  difperfe  the  clouds  of  fuperftition  and  ig- 
norance, and  they  are  as  free  from  error  a  i  a  people 
can  be  that  has  not  been  favored  with  its  inn:ru6livc 
doflrines. 


CARVE  R'i      TRAVELS. 


aS5 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


Of  their  Dijeafis^    t^c. 


T 


of 

ia 

at- 

to 


g- 
)lc 

Ivc 


HE  Indians  in  general  arc  healthy,  and 

fubjedt  but  to  few  difeafes,  many  of  thofe  that  afflift 
civilized  nations,  and  are  the  immediate  confc- 
quences  of  luxury  or  floth,  being  not  known  among 
themi  however,  the  hardfhips  and  fatigues  which 
they  endure  in  hunting  or  war,  the  inclemency  of 
the  feafons  to  which  they  are  continually  expofed, 
but  above  all  the  extremes  of  hunger,  and  that  vora- 
cioufnefs  their  long  excurfions  confequently  fubjed: 
them  to,  cannot  fail  of  impairing  the  conilitution, 
and  bringing  on  difordcrs. 

Pains  and  weaknefles  in  the  ftomach  and  bread 
are  fomet-imes  the  refult  of  their  long  falling,  and 
confumptions  of  the  exceflivc  fatigue  and  violent 
cxercifes  they  expofe  themfelves  to  from  their  in- 
fancy, before  they  have  fufficient  ftrcngth  to  fup- 
port  them.  But  the  diforder  to  which  they  are  ix'oft 
fubje6i:,  is  the  pleurify;  for  the  removal  of  which, 
they  apply  their  grand  remedy  and  prefervative 
againft  the  generality  of  their  complaints,  fweat- 
!ng. 


2^6 


(CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


The  manner  in  which  they  conftrudl  their ftovcs  for 
this  purpofe  is  as  follows :  They  fix  feveral  fmall  poles 
in  the  ground,  the  tops  of  which  they  twift  together, 
fo  as  to  form  a  rotunda:  this  frame  they  cover  with 
ikins  or  blankets;  and  they  lay  them  on  with  fo 
much  nicety,  that  the  air  is  kept  from  entering 
through  any  crevice j  a  fmall  fpace  being  only  left, 
juft  fufficient  to  creep  in  at,  which  is  immediately 
after  clofed.  In  the  middle  of  this  confined  building 
they  place  red  hot  ftone,  on  which  they  pour  water 
till  a  fte.  I  arifes  that  produces  a  great  degree  of 
heat. 

This  caufes  an  inftantaneous  perfpiration,  which 
they  increafe  as  they  pleafe.  Having  continued  in 
it  for  fome  time,  they  immediately  haften  to  the 
neareft  ftream,  arid  plunge  into  the  water  j  and, 
after  bathing  therein  for  about  half  a  minute,  they 
put  on  their  clothes,  fit  down  and  fmoke  with  great 
compofure,  thoroughly  perfuadcd  that  the  remedy 
will  prove  efficacious.  They  often  make  ufe  of  this 
fudoriferous  method  to  refrefli  thcmfelves,  or  to 
prepare  their  minds  for  the  management  of  any 
bufinefs  that  reqiires  uncommon  deliberation  and 
fagacity. 

They  are  likewife  afflidted  with  the  dropfy  and 
paralytic  complaints,  which,  however,  arc  but  very 
feldom  known  among  them.  A3  a  remedy  for 
thefc  as  well  as  for  fevers  they  make  ufe  of  lotions 
and  decodlions,  compofed  of  herbs,  which  the 
phyficians  know  perfc£Wy  well  how  to  compound 
and  apply.  But  they  never  truft  to  medicines  alone; 
they  always  have  recourfe  likewife  to  fome  lupcr< 
ftitious  ceremonies,  without  which  their  patients 
would  not  think  the  phyfical  preparations  fufficicntly 
powerful. 


CARVE  R's     TRAVELS. 


*5f 


any 
and 


and 


With  equal  judgment  they  make  ufe  of  fimples 
for  the  cure  of  wounds,  frajftures,  or  bruifes;  and 
are  able  to  extradt  by  thefc,  without  incifion,  fplin- 
ters,  iron,  or  any  other  Ibrt  of  matter  by  which  the 
wound  is  caufed.  In  cures  of  this  kind  they  are 
extremely  dextrous,  and  complete  them  in  much  Icfs 
time  than  might  be  expefted  from  their  mode  of 
proceeding. 

With  the  fkin  of  a  fnake,  which  thofe  reptiles 
annually  Ihcd,  they  will  alfo  extrad  fplinters.  It  is 
amazing  to  fee  the  fudden  efficacy  of  this  application> 
noLvvithftanding  there  does  not  appear  to  be  the  leaft 
moiflure  remaining  in  it. 

It  has  long  been  a  fubjeft  of  difpute,  on  what 
continent  the  venereal  difeafe  firft  received  its  de- 
ftructive  powen  This  dreadful  malady  is  fuppofed 
to  have  originated  in  America,  but  the  literary  con- 
tcft  ftill  remains  undecided  j  to  give  fome  elucidation 
to  it  I  ihall  remark,  that  as  I  could  not  difcover  the 
leaft  traces  among  the  Naudoweffies,  with  whom  I 
rcfided  fo  long,  and  was  alfo  informed  that  it  was  yet 
unknown  among  the  more  weftern  nations,  I  think 
I  may  venture  to  pronounce  that  it  had  not  its  origin 
in  North-America.  Thofe  nations  that  have  any 
communication  with  the  Europeans,  or  the  fouthern 
tribes,  are  greatly  affli£ted  with  itj  but  they  have 
all  of  them  acquired  a  knowledge  of  fuch  certain 
and  expeditious  remedies,  that  the  communication 
is  not  attended  with  any  dangerous  confequences. 

Soon  after  Ifet  out  on  my  travels,  one  of  the  tra- 
ders whom  I  accompanied,  complained  of  a  violent 
gonorrhoea,  with  ail  its  alarming  fymptoms  :  this 
increafed  to  fuch  a  degree,  that  by  the  time  we  had 
reached  the  town  of  the  Winnebagoes,  he  was  una- 

K  k 


'S» 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


ble  to  travel.  Having  made  his  complaint  known 
to  one  of  the  chiefs  of  that  tribe,  he  told  him  not 
to  be  iineafy,  for  he  would  engage  that  by  following 
his  advice,  he  Ihould  be  able  in  a  few  days  to  purfue 
)ii3  journey,  and  in  a  little  longer  time  be  entirely 
free  from  his  difordcr. 

The  thief  had  no  fooncr  faid  this  than  he  prepared 
for  him  a  dcco6lion  of  the  bark  of  the  roots  of  the 
prickly  a(h,  a  tree  fcarcely  known  in  England,  but 
which  grows  in  great  plenty  throughout  North- 
America  j  by  the  ufe  of  which,  in  a  few  days  he 
was  greatly  recovered,  and  having  received  direc^li- 
ons  how  to  prepare  it,  in  a  fortnight  after  his  de- 
parture from  this  place  perceived  that  he  was  radi- 
cally cured. 

If  from  exceflive  exercife,  or  the  extremes  of  heat 
or  cold,  they  are  afFed:ed  with  pains  in  their  limbs  or 
joints,  they  fcarify  the  parts  aflfcdled.  Thofc  nati- 
ons who  hava'  no  commerce  with  Europeans  do  this 
with  a  fharp  flint;  and  it  is  furprifing  to  fee  to  how 
fine  a  point  they  have  the  dexterity  to  bring  them; 
a  lancet  can  fcarcely  exceed  in  fharpnefs  the  inilru- 
ments  they  make  of  this  unmalleable  fubftance. 

They  never  can  be  convinced  a  perfon  is  ill, 
whilft  he  has  an  appetite ;  but  when  he  rejects  all 
kind  of  nourifliment,  they  conlider  the  difeafe  as 
dangerous,  and  pay  great  attention  to  it;  and  dur- 
ing the  continuance  of  the  diforder,  the  phyfician 
refufes  his  patienc  no  fort  of  food  that  he  is  defi- 
rous  of. 

Their  doctors  arc  not  only  fuppofed  to  be  (killed 
in  the  phyfical  treatment  of  difeafes;  but  the  com- 
mon people  believe  that  by  the  ceremony  of  the  Chi- 
chicoue  ufually  made  ufc  of,  as  before  defcribed. 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


259 


they  are  able  to  gain  intelligence  from  the  fpirits,  of 
the  cauie  of  the  complaints  with  which  tht-y  arc 
afflidled,  and  are  thereby  the  better  enabled  to  tint 
remedies  for  them.  I'hey  difcover  fomething  fu- 
pernatural  in  all  their  difeafes,  and  the  phyfic 
adminidered  mull  invariably  be  aided  by  thelc  l"u- 
perditions. 

Sometimes  a  fick  perfon  fancies  that  his  diforder 
arifes  from  witchcraft  j  in  this  cafe  the  phyfician  or 
juggler  is  confulted,  who,  after  the  ufual  prepara- 
tions, gives  his  opinion  on  the  Hate  of  the  difeai'e, 
and  frequently  finds  fome  means  for  his  cure.  But 
notwithftanding  the  Indian  phyficiaiis  always  annex 
thefe  fuperllitious  ceremonies  to  their  prefcriptions, 
it  is  very  certain,  as  I  have  already  obferved,  that 
they  exercife  their  art  by  principles  which  are  founded 
on  the  knowledge  of  fimples,  and  on  experience, 
which  they  acquire  by  an  indefatigable  attention  to 
their  operations.     ^^ - 

The  following  ftory,  which  I  received  from  a 
perfon  of  undoubted  credit,  proves  that  the  Indians 
are  not  only  able  to  reafon  with  great  acutenefs  on 
iht  caufcs  and  fymptoms  of  many  of  the  diforders 
which  are  attendant  on  human  nature,  but  to  apply 
with  equal  judgment  proper  remedies. 

In  Penobfcot,  a  fettlement  in  the  province  of 
Main,  in  the  north- eaft  parts  of  New-England,  the 
wife  of  a  foldier  was  taken  in  labor,  and  notwith- 
ftanding every  neceflavy  affiftance  was  given  her, 
could  not  be  delivered.  In  this  fituation  fhe  re- 
mained for  two  or  three  days,  the  perfons  around 
her  expeding  that  the  next  pang  would  put  an  end  to 
her  exiftence. 


IMACE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


125 


■A&12.8 

■^  liii    ■2.2 

^   |£°    12.0 


M 


p5  III  1.4   |||.6 

^ 

6"     

► 

PhotDgrajJuc 

Sciences 

Corporation 


'^'^*^  ^ 

^.V^ 


23  WIST  MAIN  STtin 

WIBSTER.N.Y.  145M 

(716)  172-4503 


'^ 


0 


^ 


4^ 


25CJ 


CARVER '8    TRAVELS. 


An  Indian  woman,  who  accidently  pafTed  by, 
heard  the  groans  of  the  unhappy  fufferert  and  enquired 
from  whence  they  proceeded.  Being  made  acquainted 
with  the  defperate  circumftances  attending  the  cafe, 
fhc  told  the  informant,  that  if  Ihe  might  be  permit- 
ted to  fee  the  perfon,  fhe  did  not  doubt  but  that  (lie 
ihouUl  be  of  great  fcrvice  to  her. 

The  furgeon  that  had  attended,  and  thp  midwife 
who  was  then  prefent,  having  given  up  every  hope 
of  preierying  their  patient,  the  Indian  woman  was 
allowed  to  make  ufe  of  any  methods  fhc  thought  pro- 
per. She  accordingly  took  a  handkerchief,  and 
bound  it  tight  over  the  nofe  and  mouth  of  the  wo- 
man: this  immediately  brought  on  a  fufFocation; 
and  from  the  ftruggles  that  confequcntly  enfued,  fhe 
was  in  a  few  feconds  delivered.  The  moment  this 
was  aphieved,  and  time  enough  to  prevent  any 
fatal  efFeft,  the  handkerchief  was  taken  off.  The 
long-fuffering  patient  thus  happily  relieved  from 
her  painF,  foon  after  perfectly  recovered,  to  the 
aftonifhment  of  all  thbfc  who  had  been  witnefs  to 
her  defperate  fTtuation. 

The  reafon  given  by  the  Indian  for  this  hazardous 
method  of  proceeding  was,  that  defperate  diforders 
require  defperate  remedies}  that  as  fhe  obferved  the 
exertions  of  nature  were  not  fufficiently  forcible  tp 
efFefl;  the  defired  confequence,  fhe  though^  it  ne- 
cefTary  to  augment  their  force,  which  could  only  be 
done  by  fome  mode  that  was  violent  in  the  extreme. 


'*•% 


CARVE  R'»  TRAVELS. 


il6i 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Of  the  Mann^  in  'which  they  treat  their  Bead, 


./\N  Indian  meets  death  when  it  approaches 
him  in  his  hut^  with  the  fame  refolution  he  has  often 
faced  him  in  the  field.  His  indifference  relative  to 
this  important  article,  which  is  the  fource  of  fo 
many  apprchenfions  to  almoft  every  other  nation,  is 
truly  admirable.  When  his  fate  is  pronounced  by 
(he  phyfician,  and  it  remains  no  longer  uncertain, 
he  harangues  thofc  about  him  with  the  greateft  com- 
pofurc. 


If  he  is  a  chief  and  has  a  family,  he  makes  a  kind 
of  funeral  oration,  which  he  concludes  by  giving 
to  his  children  fuch  advice  for  the  regulation  of  their 
conduct  as  he  thinks  neceffary.  He  then  takes 
Jcave  of  his  friends,  and  iflfues  out  orders  for  the 
preparation  of  a  feafl,  which  is  defigned  to  regale 
thofe  of  his  tribip  that  come  lo  pronounce  his  eu- 
iogium. 

After  the  breath  is  departed,  the  body  is  drefTed 
in  the  fame  attire  it  ufually  wore  whilfl  living,  his 
face  is  painted,  and  he  feated  in  an  ered  poflure  on 
a  mat  or  fkin,  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  hut,  with 
weapons  by  his  fide.     His  relations  being  feated 


962 


CARVER'.      TRAVELS. 


round,  each  harangues  in  turn  the  dcccafedj  and  if 
he  has  been  a  great  warrior,  recounts  his  heroic 
adions  nearly  to  the  following  purport,  which  in 
the  Indian  language  is  extremely  poetical  and  plca« 
fing: 

"  You  dill  fit  among  us.  Brother,  your  perfon 
"  retains  its  ufual  refemblance,  and  continues  fimi- 
"  lar  to  ours,  without  any  vifible  deficiency,  except 
that  it  has  loft  the  power  of  aftion.  But  whither 
is  that  breath  flown,  which  a  few  hours  ago  fenc 
up  fmoke  to  the  Great  Spirit  ?  Why  are  thofe  lips 
**  filcnt,  that  lately  delivered  to  us  expreffive  and 
**  pleafing  language  ?  why  are  thofe  feet  mptionlcfs, 
"  thataftiorttime  ago  were  fleeter  than  the  deer  on 
•*  yonder  mountains  ?  why  ufclefs  hang  thofe  arms 
*•  that  could  climb  the  tallcft  tree,  or  draw  the 
tougheft  bow  ?  Alas !  every  part  of  that  frame 
which  we  lately  beheld  with  admiration  and  won- 
"  der,  is  now  become  as  inanimate  as  it  was  three 
"  hundred  winters  ago.  We  will  not,  however, 
**  bemoan  thee  as  if  thou  waft  for  ever  loft  to  us, 
"  or  that  thy  name  would  be  buried  in  oblivion; 
"  thy  foul  yet  lives  in  the  great  Country  of  Spirits, 
"  with  thofe  of  thy  nation  that  are  gone  before  thee; 
•'  and  though  we  are  left  behind  to  perpetuate  thy 
*'  fame,  we  Ihall  one  day  join  thee.  Actuated  by 
"  the  refpeft  we  bore  thee  whilft  living,  we  now 
"  come  to  tender  to  thee  the  laft  a£t  of  kindnefe  k 
is  in  our  power  to  beftow :  that  thy  ibody  might 
not  lie  ncgledted  on  the  plain,  and  become  a  prey 
"  to  the  beafts  of  the  field,  or  the  fowls  of  the  air, 
we  will  take  care  to  lay  it  with  thofe  of  thy  prc- 
deceflTors  who  are  gone  before  thee;  hoping  at  the 
fame  time,  that  thy  fpirit  will  feed  with  their 
fpirits,  and  be  ready  to  receive  ours,  when  we 
f  alfo  (hall  arrive  at  the  great  Country  of  Souls." 


C{ 


cc 


<c 


<( 


it 


cc 


(C 


cc 
cc 
cc 

€1 


CARVER 's    TRAVELS. 


263 


In  Ihort  fpccchcs  fomewhat  fimilar  to  this  does 
every  chief  fpcak  the  praifes  of  his  departed  friend. 
When  they  have  fo  done,  if  they  happen  to  be  at  a 
great  diftancc  from  the  place  of  interment,  appro- 
priated to  their  tribe,  and  the  perfon  dies  during  the 
winter  feafon,  they  wrap  the  body  in  ikins,  and  lay 
it  on  SI  high  ftage  built  for  this  purpofe,  or  on  the 
branches  of  a  large  tree,  till  the  fpring  arrives.  They 
then,  after  the  manner  defcribed  in  my  journal,  carry 
it,  together  with  all  thofe  belonging  to  the  fame 
nation,  to  the  general  burial-place,  where  it  is  in- 
terred with  fome  ether  ceremonies  that  I  could  not 
difcover. 

When  the  Naudoweffics  brought  their  dead  for 
interment  to  the  great  cave,  I  attempted  to  get  an 
infight  into  the  remaining  burial  rites  j  but  whether 
it  was  on  account  of  the  ftcnch  which  arofc  from  fo 
many  bodies,  the  weather  being  then  hot,  or  whe- 
ther they  chofe  to  keep  this  part  of  their  cuftoms 
fecret  from  me,  I  could  not  difcover ;  I  found,  how- 
ever, that  they  confidercd  my  curiofity  as  ill  timed, 
and  therefore  I  withdrew. 

After  the  interment,  the  band  to  which  the  perfon 
belongs,  take  care  to  fix  near  the  place  fuch  hiero- 
glyphics as  fliall  fliew  to  future  ages  his  merit  and 
accomplifhments.  If  any  of  thefe  people  die  in  the 
fummer,  at  a  diftancc  frorti  the  burying-ground, 
and  they  find  it  impoffible  to  remove  the  body  before 
it  putrefies,  they  burn  the  flefh  from  the  bones,  and 
preferving  the  latter,  bury  them  in  the  manner  de- 
fcribed. 

As  the  Indians  believe  that  the  fouls  of  the  deceaf- 
cd  employ  themfclves  in  the  fame  manner  in  the 
country  of  fpirits,  as  they  did  on  earth,  that  they 
acquire  their  food  by  hunting,  and  have  there,  alfo. 


264 


CARVE  ll's    TRAVELS. 


enemies  to  contend  with,  they  take  care  that  they 
do  not  enter  thofe  regions  defencclcis  and  unprovi- 
ded :  they  confcquently  bury  with  them  their  bows, 
their  arrows,  and  all  the  other  weapons  ufed  either 
in  hunting  or  war.  As  they  doubt  not  but  they  will 
like  wile  have  occafion  both  for  the  ncceflaries  of 
life,  and  thofe  things  they  efteem  as  ornaments,  they 
ufually  depofit  in  their  tombs  fuch  fkins  or  fluffs  as 
they  commonly  made  their  garments  of,  domeflic 
uteftfils,  and  paint  for  ornamenting  their  perfons. 

The  near  relations  of  the  deceafed  lament  his  lofs 
with  an  appearance  of  great  forrow  and  anguilh  j 
they  weep  and  howl,  and  make  ufe  of  many  contor- 
tions, as  they  fit  in  the  hut  or  tent  around  the  body, 
when  the  intervals  between  the  praifes  of  the  chiefs 
will  permit. 

One  formality  in  mourning  for  the  dead  among 
the  NaudowefTies  is  very  different  from  any  mode  I 
obferved  in  the  other  nations  through  which  I  pafTed. 
The  men,  to  fhew  how  great  their  forrow  is,  pierce 
the  flefh  of  their  arms,  above  the  elbows,  with  ar- 
rows i  the  fears  of  which  I  could  perceive  on  thofe 
of  every  rank,  in  a  greater  or  Icfs  degree  j  and  the 
women  cut  and  gafh  their  legs  with  fharp  broken 
flints,  till  the  blood  flows  very  plentifully. 

Whilfl  I  remained  amongfl  them,  a  couple  whofe 
tents  was  adjacent  to  mine,  lofl  a  fon  of  about  four 
years  of  age.  The  parents  were  fo  much  affedted  at 
the  death  of  their  favorite  child,  that  they  purfued 
the  ufual  teflimonies  of  grief  with  fuch  uncommon 
rigor,  as  through  the  weight  of  fbrrow  and  lofs  of 
blood,  to  occafion  the  death  of  the  father.  The 
woman  who  had  hitherto  been  inconfolable,  no 
fooner  faw  her  hufband  expire,  than  the  dried  up  her 
tears,  and  appeared  cheerful  and  rcfigncd. 


CAkVfeit»3TkAvfiLs.         idj 

As  i  knew  not  how  to  account  for  fo  extraordi- 
nary a  cranfition,  I  took  an  opportunity  to  a(k  hct 
the  rcafon  of  it  -,  telling  her  at  the  fame  time,  tnat  I 
(hould  have  imagined  the  lofs  of  her  hufband  would 
rather  have  occanoned  an  increafc  of  grief,  than  fuch 
a  fudden  diminution  of  it^ 

She  informed  jne,  that  as  the  child  was  fo  young 
when  it  diedj  and  unable  to  fupport  itfclf  in  the 
country  of  fpirits,  both  fhe   and  her  hufband  had 
been  apprehenfive  that  ks  ficuation  would  be  far  from 
happy  J  but  no  fooner  did  fhe  behold  its  father  de- 
part for  the  fame  placei  who  not  only  loved  th6 
-child  with  the  tendered  affcdion,  but  was  a  good 
hunter,  iand  would  be  able  to  provide  plentifully  for 
its  fupport,  than  fhe  ceafed  to  mourn;     She  added^ 
that  flie  now  faw  no  reafon  to  continue  her  tears,  as 
-the  child  on  whom  fhe  doted,  was  happy  under  the 
care  and  protection  of  a  fond  father,  and  Ihc  had 
-only  one  wifh  that  remained  ungratified,  which  was 
•that  of  being  herfelf  v/ich  them* 

Expreflions  ifo  replete  with  unaffcfted  te^dernefsj 
md  fendments  that  would  have  done  honour  to  A 
'Roman  matron^  made  an  impreflion  on  my  inind 
greatly  in  favor  of  the  people  td  whom  Ihe  belongcd> 
find  tended  not  a  little  to  counteraA  the  prejudices  I 
had  hitherto  entertamcd,  in  common  with  every 
Dther  traveller,  of  Indian  infcnfibility  and  want  of 
parental  .tenderneis* 

Met  fubfequcrtt  condufk  cdnfirflied  the  favorable 
Opinion!  had  juft  imbibed  i  and  convinced  me*  thatj 
hotwithftanding  this  apparent  fufpenfion  of  her  grief, 
fome  particles  of  that  reluftancei  to  be  fcparated 
from  a  beloved  rdationj  which  is  implantcti  eitheff 
by  nature  or  ewftom  in  every  human  heart,  fttU 

LI 


i^& 


CARVE  R»4    TRAVELS. 


lurked  in  hers.  I  obfcrvcd  that  fhc  went  almoft 
every  evening  to  the  foot  of  the  tree,  on  a  branch 
of  which  the  bodies  of  her  hulband  and  child  were 
laid,  and  after  cutting  ofif  a  lock  of  her  hair,  and 
throwing  it  on  the  ground^  in  a  plaintive,  melancholy 
fong  bemoaned  its  fate. .  A  recapitulation  of  the 
adtions  he  might  have  performed,  had  his  little  li^e 
been  feared,  appeared  to  be  hex  favorite  thehit , 
and  whilft  Ihe  foretold  the  fame  that  would  have  at- 
tended an  imitation  of  his  father's  virtues^  her  grief 
fccmcd  to  be  fufpended  ;■     ■  ' 

"  If  thoti  hadft  continued  with  us>  my  dear  Son," 
would  Ihc  cry,  "  how  well  would  the  bow  have  be- 
come thy  hand,  and  how  fatal  would  thy  arrows 
have  proved  to  the  enemies  of  our  bands.  Thou 
wouldft  often  have  drank  their  bloody  and  eaten 
their  flclhj  and  numerous  flaves  would  have  re- 
warded thy  toils.  With  a  nervous  arm  wouldft 
thou  have  fcized  the  wounded  buffaloes  or  have 
combated  the  fury  of  the  enraged  bear.  .  Thou 
wouldft  have  overtaken  the  flying  elk,  and  have 
kept  pace  on  the  mountain's  brow  with  the  fleet- 
eft  deer.  What  feats  mighteft  thou  not  have  per- 
"'  formed,  hadft  thou  ftaid  among  us  till  age  had 
"  given  thee  ftrehgth,  and  thy  father  had  inftrufted 
**  thee  in  every  Indian  accomplifhmtnt !"  In  terms 
like  thefe  did  this  untutored  favage  bewail  the  lofs 
of  her  fon,  and  frequently  would  i"he  pafs  the  greateft 
part  of  the  night  in  the  afi^edlionatc  employ. 

The  Indians  in  general  arc  very  ftrid  in  the  ob- 
fervancc  of  their  laws  relative  to  mourning  for  theii* 
dead;  In  fomc  rJMiions  thty  cut  oflf their  hair,  blacken 
their  faccs^  and  fit  in  an  ere6t  poftufCi  with  <hcif 
heads  clofeiy  covered^  and  depriving  themfelves  of 
every  pleafurei  This  feverity  is  continued  for  fe- 
deral months,  ajUii  l^ith/ome  relajcations  the  appear- 


cr 


kc 


(c 


<€ 


c< 


tc 


C  A  R  V  E  R»$    T  R  A  V  E  t  $, 


*h 


(^ncc  is  fomctimcs  kept  up  for  fcvcral  years.  I  was 
pld  ths^c  when  the  Naudoweiries  recolledled  any  in- 
cidents of  the  lives  of  their  dcccafed  relations,  even 
after  an  interval  of  ten  years,  they  would  howl  fo  as 
to  be  heard  at  a  great  dillance.  They  would  fomtt 
limes  continue  this  proofof  rcfpedt  and  afFcftion  for 
feveral  hours  ;  and  if  it  happened  that  the  though^ 
occurred,  and  the  noifc  was  begun  towards  the  even- 
ing, thofc  of  their  Uil?c  who  are  at  |;iand  \voul4  joir^ 


t(S« 


OARVEK*a  TRAVEL  Si, 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


A  concije  CharaSler  of  the  Indians, 


JL  he  character  of  the  Indians,  like  that  of 
ether  uncivilized  nations,  is  compofcd  of  a  mixture 
of  ferocity  and  gentlencfs.  They  arc  at  once  guided 
by  paifions  and  appetites,  v;hich  they  hold  in  com- 
mon with  the  liercdft  beads  that  inhabit  their  woods, 
^nd  arc  poirefled  of  virtues  which  do  honour  to  hu« 
man  nature. 

In  the  following  cftimatc  I  fhall  endeavor  to  forget 
on  the  one  hand  the  prejudices  of  Europeans,  who 
ufually  annex  to  the  word  Indian,  epithets  that  are 
difgraceful  to  human  nature,  a^d  who  view  them  in 
no  other  light  than  asfavages  and  cannibals;  whilll: 
with  equal  care  I  avoid  any  partiality  towards  them,- 
as  fome  rnuft  naturally  arife  from  the  favorable  re- 
ception I  met  with  during  my  ftay  among  them. 

At  the  fame  time  I  fliall  confine  my  repiarks  to  the 
nations  inhabiting  only  the  weftern  regions,  fuch  as 
the  Naudoweflies,  the  Ottagaumies,  the  Chipeways, 
the  Winnebagoes,  and  the  Saukies  i  for  as  throughout 
that  diverfity  of  climates,  the  cxtenfivc  continent  of 
Arncrica  is  compofcd  of,  there  are  people  of  diffe- 


»• 


C  A  R  V  E  R*»    T  R  A  V  E  L  S.  269 

rent  difpoficions  and  various  charafters,  it  would  be 
incompatible  with  my  prefent  undertaking  to  treat 
of  all  thefe,  and  to  give  a  general  view  of  them  as  a 
conjunctive  body. 

That  the  Indians  are  of  a  cruel,  revengeful,  in- 
exorable difpofition,  that  they  will  watch  whole  days 
unmindful  of  the  calls  of  nature,  and  make  their 
way  through  pathlefs,  and  almoll  unbounded  woods, 
fubfifting  only  on  the  fcanty  produce  of  them,  to 
purfue  and  revenge  themfelvcs  of  an  enemy  ;  that 
they  hear  unmoved  the  piercing  cries  of  fuch  as 
unhappily  fall  into  their  hands,  and  receive  a  diabo- 
lical pleafure  from  the  tortures  they  infli^  on  their 
prifoners,  I  readily  grant }  but  let  us  look  on  the  rc- 
verfe  of  this  terrifyinjg  pidlure,  and  we  (hall  find 
them  temperate  both  m  their  diet  and  potations  (it 
muft  be  remembered  that  I  fpeak  of  thofc  tribes 
who  have  little  communication  with  Europeans)  that 
they  withftand,  with  unexampled  patience,  the  at- 
tacks of  hunger,  or  the  inclemency  of  the  feafons, 
and  efteem  the  gratification  of  their  appetites  but 
as  a  fecondary  confideration. 

We  ihall  likewifc  fee  them  focial  and  humane  to 
thofe  whom  they  confider  as  their  friends,  and  even 
(o  their  adopted  enemies ;  and  ready  to  partake 
with  them  ot  the  laft  morfel,  or  to  rifle  their  lives 
jn  their  defence. 

In  contradi(5l:ion  to  the  report  of  many  other  tra- 
vellers all  of  which  have  been  tinfbured  with  pre- 
judice, I  can  alTert,  that  notwithftanding  the  appa* 
rent  indifference  with  which  an  Indian  meets  hia 
wife  and  children  after  a  long  abfence,  an  indiffe- 
rence proceeding  rather  from  cuftom  than  inlcnfibi- 
Jity,  he  is  not  unmindful  of  the  claims  either  of  con- 
nubial or  parental  tendernefs  j  the  little  ftory  I  have 


CARVE  R'«    TRAVELS. 


*7^ 


introduced  in  the  preceding  chapter,  of  the  Naudo- 
weffic  woman  lamenting  her  child,  and  the  immature 
death  of  the  father,  will  elucidate  thb  point,  and 
enforce  the  afTrrtion  much  better  than  th<;  niolt  ftur 
died  arguments  ]  can  make  ufe  of. 

• 

Accuftomed  from  their  youth  to  innumerable^ 
hardlhips,  they  foon  become  fuperior  to  a  fenfc  of 
danger,  or  the  dread  of  death  ;  and  their  fortitude, 
implanted  by  nature,  and  nurtured  by  example,  by 
precept  and  accident,  never  experience^  a  moment's 
*Hay, 

Though  (lothful  and  ina<51:ivc  whilft  their  ftore  of 
provifions  remains  unexhaufted,  and  their  foes  are  at 
a  didance,  jthey  are  indefatigable  and  perfevering 
in  purfuit  of  their  game,  or  in  circumventing  their 
enemies* 

If  they  are  artful  and  defigning,  and  ready  to  take 
every  advantage,  if  they  are  cool  and  deliberate  in 
their  councils,  and  cautious  in  the  extreme  either  of 
difcovering  their  fentiments,  or  of  revealing  a  fccret, 
they  might  at  the  fame  time  boad  of  poHTefllng  qua* 
HBcations  of  a  more  animated  nature,  of  the  faga^ 
city  of  a  hound,  the  penetrating  fight  of  a  lynx, 
the  cunning  of  the  fo:^,  the  agility  of  2^  bounding 
roe*  and  the  unconquerable  fiercenefs  of  the  tiger, 

In  their  public  eharaders,  as  forming  part  of  a 
community,  they  polTefs  an  aetachment;  for  that  band 
to  which  they  belong,  unknown-  to  the  inbabitanti 
of  any  other  country.  They  combine,  as  if  they  were 
aftuated  only  by  one  foul,  againfl:  the  enemies  of 
their  nation,  and  banifh  from  t|ieir  minds  every 
€onfider?ition  oppofed  to  thi§, 


CARVER'i     TRAVEL*. 


fi^ 


Yhcy  confulc  without  ^--ccffary  oppoHtioni  ot 
without  giving  way  to  the  v».. cements  of  envy  or 
Ambition,  on  the  meafures  neceflary  to  be  purfucd 
for  the  dc(lru£bion  of  ihofc  who  have  drawn  on  them- 
fclves  their  difpleafure.  No  fclfifli  views  ever  in- 
fluence their  advice,  or  obftrufb  their  confulcati- 
ons.  Nor  is  ic  in  the  power  of  bribes  or  threats  to 
diminifh  the  love  they  bear  their  country. 

The  honor  of  their  tribe,  and  the  welfare  of  their 
hatioh,  is  the  tirft  and  mod  predominant  emotion 
of  their  hearts,  and  from  hence  proceed  in  a  great 
meafure  all  their  viitucs  and  their  vices.  Adudted 
by  this,  they  brave  every  danger^  endure  the  moft 
exquifite  torments,  and  expire  triumphing  in  their 
fortitude,  not  as  a  perfonal  qualification^  but  as  a 
national  chaiaderidic. 

From  thefe  alfo  Aow  that  infatlable  revenge  to* 
Wards  thofe  with  whom  they  arc  at  war,  and  all  the 
confcquent  horror^  that  difgrace  their  name.  Their 
Uncultivated  mind  being  incapable  of  judging  of 
the  propriety  of  an  aiftion,  in  oppofitittn  to  their 
J)aflions,  which  are  totally  infenfible  to  the  controls 
of  reafonor  humanity,  they  know  not  how  to  keep 
their  fury  within  any  bounds,  and  confcqUently  that 
courage  and  rcfclution,  which  would  otherwifc  do 
them  honor,  degenerates  into  a  favage  ferocity. 

Butth^-^  (hort  diiTertation  tnuft  fufficc:  the  limits 
of  my  work  will  not  permit  me  to  treat  the  fubjc6fc 
hiore  copioufly,  or  to  purfue  it  with  a  logical  regu- 
larity. The  obfcrvations  already  made  by  my  rea- 
ders on  the  preceding  pages,  will,  I  truft,  render  it 
Unneccflaryj  as  by  them  they  will  be  enabled  to  form 
a  tolerably  juft  idea  of  the  people  I  have  been  def- 
fcribing.  Experience  teaches,  that  anecdotes,  and 
delations  of  particular  events^  however  trifling  thejr 


'  ♦* 


*7* 


CARVE  R's      T  R  A  VEL  1 


might  appear,  enable  us  to  form  a  truer  judgtlietlf 
of  the  manners  and  cuftoms  of  a  people,  and  are 
much  more  declaratory  of  their  real  (late,  than  the 
moft  ftudied  and  elaborate  tiirr^uificion,  without  thefe 
ftids« 


9ARV£R'i    TRAVELS. 


373 


CHAPTER    XViI. 


Of  their  Language^  Hieroglyphics,  ^t. 


T 


HE  principal  languages  of  the  natives  of 
North- Aide rica  may  be  divided  into  four  clafTes,  as 
they  conftft  of  fuch  as  are  made  ufe  of  by  the  nations 
of  the  Iroquois  towards  the  eaftcrn  parts  of  it,  the 
Ch'peways  pr  Algonkins  to  the  north-weft,  the 
Naudowelflies  to  the  weft,  and  the  Cherokees,  Chic- 
kafaws,  &c.  to  the  fouth.  One  or  other  of  thefc 
four  arc  ufed  by  all  the  Indians  who  inhabit  the  parts 
that  lie  between  the  coaft  of  Labrador  north,  the 
Floridas  ibuth,  the  Atlantic  Ocean  eaft,  and,  as 
far  as  we  can  judge  from  the  difcoveries  hitherto 
made,  the  Pacific  Ocean  on  the  weft. 

But  of  aU  thef?,  the  Chipeway  tongue  appears 
to  be  the  moft  prevailing;  it  being  held  in  fuch 
cfteem,  that  the  chiefs  of  every  tribe,  dwelling  about 
the  great  lakes,  or  to  the  weftward  of  thefc  on  the 
banks  of  the  Mifliifippi,  with  thofe  as  far  fouth  as 
the  Ohio,  and  as  far  north  as  Hudfon's  Bay,  cx,ti- 
fiftingof  rnorc  than  thirty  different  tribes,  Ipeak 
this  language  alone  in  their  councils,  notwithftand- 
ing  each  has  ^  peculiar  one  of  their  own. 

Mm  : 


374? 


C  A  R  V  E  R '  s    T  R  A  V  E  L  «> 


It  will  probably  in  time  become  univcrfal  among 
all  the  Indian  natl  ns,  as  none  of  them  attempt  to 
riiakexxcurfions  to  any  great  diftance,  or  are  con- 
fiderca  as  qualified  to  carry  on  any  negociation  with 
a  diftant  band,  vinkfs  they  have  acquired  the  Chipe- 
Xvay  tongue. 

t 

At  prefent,  befiJes  the  Chipeways,  to  whom  it 
is  natural,  the  Ottawaws,  Saukies,  the  Ottagau- 
mies,  tli€  Ktlliftinocs,  the  Nipegons,  iht  bands 
Lbout  Lake  Le  Pluyc,  and  the  remains  of  the  Al- 
gonkins,  or  Gen$  de  Terre,  all  eonverfe  in  it,  with 
fome  little  variation  of  dialed  j  but  whether  it  be 
natural  to  thofe  nations,  or  acquired,  I  was  not 
<ble  to  difcover.  I  am  however  of  opinion  that  the 
barbarous  and  uncouth  dialed:  of  the  Winncbagoes, 
l9ie  Menomonies,  and  many  other  tribes,  will  be- 
come in  time  totally  extinft,  and  this  be  adopted 
in  its  ftead. 

The  Chipeway  tongue  is  not  encumbered  with 
any  unnecclfary  tones  or  accents,  neither  are  there 
any  words  in  it  that  are  fuperfluousj  itisalfoeafy 
to  pronounce,  and  much  more  copious  than  any 
tther  Indian  language. 

As  the  Indians  are  unacquainted  with  the  polite 
arts,  or  with  the  fciences,  and  as  they  are  ftrangers 
to^^cercmony,  or  compliment,  they  neither  have  nor 
need  an  infinity  of  words  wherewith  ix)  embellifb, 
their  difcourfe.  Plain  and  unpoliflied  in  their  man- 
ners, they  only  make  ufe  of  fuch  as  ferve  to  deno- 
minate the  neceflaries  or  conveniencies  of  life,  and 
to  exprefs  their  wants,  which  in  a  ftate  of  nature  can' 
be  but  few.     ,    j 

I  have  annexed  hereto  a  fhort  vocabulary  of  the 
Ghipcway  language,  and  another  of  that  of  the  Nau- 


C  A  R  V  E  R's     TRAVELS. 


ST? 


doweilies,  but  am  not  able  to  reduce  them  to  the 
rules  of  grammar. 

The  latter  is  fpokcn  in  a  foft  accent,  without  any 
guttural  founds,  fo  that  it  may  be  learnt  with  faci- 
lity, and  is  not  difficult  either  to  be  pronounced  or 
written.  It  is  nearly  as  copious  and  exprcflive  as 
the  Chipeway  tongue,  and  is  the  mod  prevailing 
language  of  any  on  the  weftern  banks  of  the  Mil- 
iiffippij  being  in  ufe,  according  to  their  account, 
among  all  the  nations  that  lie  to  the  north  of  the 
Meflbrie,  and  extend  as  far  weft  as  the  fhores  of  the 
Pacific  Ocean. 

As  the  Indians  are  not  acquainted  with  letters^ 
it  is  very  difficult  to  convey  with  precifion  the  exa<5l 
found  of  their  words;  I  have  however  endeavoured 
to  write  them  as  near  to  the  manner  in  which  they 
are  exprcffed,  as  fuch  an  uncertain  mode  will  ad- 
mit of.  , 

Although  the  Indians  cannot  communicate  their 
ideas  by  writing,  yet  they  form  certain  hieroglyphics, 
which,  in  fome  meafure,  ferve  to  perpetuate,  any 
extraordinary  tranfadiouj  or  uncommon  event. 
Thus  when  they  are  on  their  excurfions,  and  either 
intend  to  proceed,  or  have  been  on  any  remarkable 
enterprife,  they  peel  the  bark  from  the  trees  which 
lie  in  their  way,  to  give  intelligence  to  thofe  parties 
that  happen  to  be  at  a  diftance,  of  the  path  they 
muft  purfue  to  overtake  them. 

The  following  inftance  will  convey  a  more  perfect 
idea  of  the  methods  they  make  ufe  of  on  this  occa- 
fion,  than  any  expreffions  I  can  frame.  . 

When  I  left  th.%  Miffiffippi,  and  proceeded  up  the 
sCaipcway  River,  in  my  way  to  Lake  Superior,  gs. 


?76 


C  A  R  V  E  R»s    T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 


related  in  my  Journal,  my  guide,  who  was  a  chief 
of  the  Chipeways  that  dwell  on  the  Ottawaw  Lake, 
near  the  heads  of  the  river  we  had  juft  entered 
fearing  that  fome  parties  of  the  Naudoweffies,  with 
whom  his  nation  are  perpetually  at  war,  might  ac- 
cidentally fall  in  with  us,  and  before  they  were  ap- 
prifed  of  my  being  in  company,  do  us  fome  mifchief, 
he  took  the  following  fteps : 

He  peeled  the  bark  from  a  large  tree,  near  the 
entrance  of  a  river,  and  with  wood-coal,  mixed  with 
bear's  greafc,  their  ufual  fubftitute  for  inks  made  in 
an  uncouth,  but  expreflive  manner,  the  figure  of 
the  town  of  the  Ottagaumics.  He  then  formed  to 
the  left  a  man  drefled  in  flcins,  by  which  Ke  intended 
to  reprefent  a  Naudowcflie,  with  a  line  drawn  from 
his  mouth  to  that  of  a  deer,  the  fymbol  of  the  Chi- 
peways. After  this  he  depiftured  ftill  further  to  the 
left  a  canoe  as  proceeding  up  the  river,  in  which  he 
placed  a  man  fitting  with  a  hat  on;  this  figure  was 
defigned  to  reprefent  an  Englifliman,  or  myfelf, 
and  my  Frenchman  was  drawn  with  a  handkerchief 
tied  round  his  head,  and  rowing  the  canoe ;  to  thefe 
he  added  feveral  other  fignificant  emblems,  among 
which  the  Pipe  of  Peace  appeared  painted  on  the 
prow  of  the  canoe. 

The  meaning  he  intended  to  convey  to  the  Nau- 
dowcffi<^s,  and  which  I  doubt  not  appeared  perfeftly 
intelligible  to  them,  was,  that  one  of  the  Chipeway 
chiefs  had  received  a  fpeech  from  fome  Naudowelfie 
phiefs,  at  the  town  of  the  Ottagaumies,  defiring  him 
to  condud  the  Englifhman,  who  had  lately  been 
among  them,  up  the  Chipeway  river  j  and  that  they 
thereby  required,  thai  the  Chipeway,  notwithftand- 
ing  he  was  an  avowed  enemy,  Ihould  not  be  mo- 
le (ted  by  them  on  his  pafTige,  as  he  had  the  care  of 
fi  perfon  tfhom  they  cftecmed  as  one  of  their  nation. 


CARVER'S    TRAVEtS. 


«77 


Some  authors  have  pretended  that  the  Indians  have 
armorial  bearings,  which  they  blazon  with  great 
cxaAnefsi,  and  which  diftii^ifh  one  natvon  from 
another;  but  I  never  could'Obferve  any  other  arms 
among  them  than  the  fymbols  already  defcribed. 


*j# 


«7t 


CARVER '«    TRAVKLS. 


A  Jbort  VocA.Bi^ARY  of  the   Chipeway 

Language, 


TV.  B,   This  people  do  not  make  ufc  cither  of  the 

confonants  F.  or  V, 


A. 


••« 


-tiLBOVE 
Abandon 

Spimink 
Packiton 

Admirable 

Pilawah 

Afterwards 
All 

Mipidacb 
Kokinum 

Always 

Amifs 

Arrive 

Kokali 

Napitch 

Takouchin 

Axe 

Afhes 
Affift 

B. 

Ball 

Agacwet 

Pingoe 

Mawinewab 

Alewin 

Bag,  or  tobacco-pouch 

Barrel 

Beat 

Cafpetawgan 
'  Owentowgan 
Pakhite 

Bear 

Mackwah 

Bear,  a  young  one 
Beaver                      ^ 

Makon 
Amik 

Beaver's  fkin    . 
Be>  or  to  be 

Apiminique 
Tapaie 

*. 


CARVE  R'l   TRAVELS. 

Beard 

Mi/chiton 

Bccaufc 

Mewinch 

Believe 

Tilerimab 

Belly 

Mijhemout 

Black 

Markaute 

Blood 

Mijkow 

Body 

Toe 

Bottle 

Sbijhego 

Brother 

Neconnis 

Brandy  or  Rum 

rcuttawawbab 

Bread 

Pahaujhigan 

Breech 

Mifcoufab 

Breeches 

Kipokitie  Koufab 

Buck 

Wajkgtch 

C. 

-♦ 

Canoe 

Cbeman 

Call 

Tejhenekaw 

Chief,  a 

0\emaw 

Carry 

Peton 

Child  or  Children 

Bobelojhin 

Coat 

Capotewian 

Cold,  I  am 

Kekalcb 

Come  on 

Moppa 

Come  to 

Pemotcija 

Comrade 

Neechee 

Concerned 

Tallemifi 

Corn 

Melomin 

Covering,  or  a  Blanket 

JVawbewion 

Country 

Endawlawkeen 

Courage 

Tagwawmiffi 

Cup 

Olawgan 

V).           ^f,   . 

.• 

# 

Dance 

Nemeb 

©art             i 

Sbejhikwte 

*7>. 


|r 


Ai« 


CARVER U    TRAVELS. 


Die,  to 

Dilh 

Dog 

Dead 

DcVU  or  evil  Spirit 

Dog,  a  little  one 

Done,  it  b  done 

Do 

Doubtlefs 

Drcfs  the  kettle 

Drink 

Drunken 

Duck 


Nip 

mackoan 

AUm 

Neepo 

MatchO'Mankm 

Alemon 

Shtah 

Tojhiton 

OntclaioubiA 

Poutwab 

Minikwab 

Ouifquiba 

Cbickhip 


E. 

Earth  ^ 

Eat 

Each 

Englifh 

Enough 

iBqual,  or  alike 

Eftcem 

Eyes 


Aukwin 

Owiffine 

Papegik 

Sagaunojh 

Mimlic 

Tawhifcoucb 

Nawpetelimaix) 

Wijkinkbie 


F. 

Faft 

FaU 

Far  off 

Fat 

Friend 

Father 

Few,  or  little 

Fatigued 

Field  fown 

Fire 


fyaliehic 

Ptmkifin 

Watjaw    • 

Pimmittee 

Niconnis 

Noofab 

Maungis 

Taukwiffi 

Kittegaumk 

Smtta 


CARVER'S    tRAVfiLS. 


t'irc,  to  ftrikc 

Scutecks 

Find 

Nantotinawav) 

Filh 

Kkkon 

Fork 

Najfaivokwot 

Formerly 

Pirwego 

Fort 

fVakaigcn 

Forward 

Nopawink 

French 

I^echtegoojh 

Freeze,  to 

Mm 

Freezes  hard 

Kfffm  Magnt 

Full 

Mcit/kinet 

Fufce  or  Gurt 

Pajkejfigan 

G 

God,  or  the  Great  Spifit 

Kitchi  Manitcfi 

Go  by  water 

Pimmifcaw 

Girl 

Jeckwaffin 

Give 

Millwd!) 

Glafs,  a  mirror 

Wawbemo 

iGood 

Cawlatih 

Good  for  nothing 

Malatal 

Govern 

Tibarimaw 

General,  or  Comman-  7 
der  in  Chief          J 

Kitchi  OkimcCtx: 

Simaugamjlo 

Grapes 

Shcamin 

Great 

Manatou 

Greedy 

ScwJawkiJ/i 

Guts 

Olazvbijh 

tt 

\ 

Hare 

JVawpcos 

Heart 

Micbewab 

Hate 

Shingaiirimct^ 

Half 

Ncwbal 

^i\ 


Nn 


i%^ 


t                C  A  R  V  E  R*8 

T  R  A  V  E  L  g. 

Hair,  human 

Lifts 

Hair  of  beads 

Pewal 

Handfomc 

Canoginne 

Have 

Tandaulaw 

Head 

Ouftecouan 

Heaven 

Speminkakwin 

Herb 

Mejajk 

Here 

Aconda 

Hidden 

Kemouch 

Home 

Entayent 

Honor 

Mackawalaw 

Hot 

Akejhotta 

How 

Tawne 

How  many- 

Tawnemilik 

Hunt 

^  Kewajfa 

Hut,  or  Houfc 

Wig  IVaum 

1 

Indians 

IJhinawbah 

Iron 

Pewawbick 

IHand 

Minis 

Immediately 

PFebatch 

Indian  Corn 

Mitfawmin 

Intircly 

Nawpitcb 

Impoftor 

MawlawtiJIie 

It  might  be  fo 

,     Tawneendo 

fc 

'\ 

kettle 

Ackikons 

King,  or  Chief 

Okemaw 

Keep 

Ganwerimaw 

Knife 

Mockoman 

Knife  that  is  crooked 

Cootawgon 

Know 

Thickeremaii^ 

CARVE  R's    TRAVELS, 


98) 


Lake 

Kitcbigawmink 

Laugl> 

Pawpt 

Lazy 

Kitttimi 

Lame 

Kikekate 

I^cave 

Pockiton 

Letter 

'M.awftgnaugon 

Life 

Nouchimotuin 

Love 

Saukie 

Long  fince 

Shawjhia 

Land  Carriage 

Cappatawgon 

Lofe 

flackilaugue 

Lie  down 

Weepemaw 

t^ittle 

^aubejheen 

M 

Meat 

mas 

Much 

Nibbilam 

Man 

Allijfmape 

March,  to  go 

^immoujfit 

Marry 

Weewin 

Medicine 

Majkikic 

Merchandife 

AlokochigQik 

Moon 

T>ebicot 

Mortar  to  pound  ii^ 

Poutawgo^ 

Male 

J^ape 

Miftrefs 

J^eremoujit^ 

W 

Needle 

Shawbonkia, 

ff^^r 

P^itch 

i^ 


CARVE  R»f    TRAVELS. 


Nation 

Never 

Night 

No 

Nofc 

Nothing 

Not  yet 

Not  at  all 

Npyght,  good  for  nothing 


Irinee 

Cawikkaw 

Bebicct 

Ka'uj 

Toch 

Kakego 

Kawmifchi 

Kagutcb 

Malatat 


Old 

Otter 
Qther 


Xawwcjhins. 

Nikkik 

CcHtack 


B 


Pipe 

Poagatf. 

Part,  what  part 

fawn^pes 

Play 

Packeigo 

Powder,  gun,  or 

duft 

Pingo 

Peace,  to  make 

Pecacctiche 

Pray 

Tawlaipiia 

Proper 

Sawfega 

Prelently 

Webatch 

PcninfuU 

Minniffin 

Quick 

R 
Regard 
Red 
Refolve 
l^elatioa 


J^egoUk 

JVawbotfiQ, 
Mifccw 
Tibelindon 
Tozvwemaw 


CARVER* I    TRAVELS. 


a«5 


Rcfpcft 

Tawbawmica 

Rain 

Kimmewan 

Robe 

Ockolaw 

River 

Sippim 

Run,  to 

Pitchebci 

S 

Sad 

7'alimiffle 

Sail 

Pemifcaw 

Sack,  or  Bag 

Majkimot 

Sea,  or  large  Lake 

Aganhtchigaiumink 

Shoes 

Maukiffin              « 

Ship,  or  large  Car^pc 

Kitchi  Cheman 

Sorry 

Nifcottiffte 

Spirit 

Manitou 

Spoon 

Mickwon 

Star 

Jllank 

Steal 

Kemautin 

Stockings 

Mittaus 

Strong 

Majhkauwdb 

Sturgeon 

Lawmack 

Sun 

Kiffis 

Sword 

Simaugan 

Surprifing 

Etwahy  Etwah 

See 

Wawbemo 

Since 

Mapedob 

Shirt 

Papawkwean 

Slave 

JVackan 

Sleep 

Nippee 

Sit  down 

Mifiiepm 

T 

Take 

Emaundah 

Teeth 

Tibbit 

That 

Mawbab 

a$6 


There 
This 
Truly 
Together 


CARVER»s     TRAVELS, 

Watjaudehi 

Maundah 

Kikit 

Mawmawwet 
Semau 
Outcn 
Tawkcnfie 
'  O/aummangis 
OJfaune 
Meg-watch 
Wawhunk 
Qujwawbmk 


Tobacco 

Tongue 

Tired 

Too  little 

Too  much 

Thank  you 

To-morrow 

'^o- morrow  the  day  after 

W 

Warriors. 

Water 

War 

Way 

Well  then  ! 

What  is  that  ? 

What  now  ? 

Whence 

Where 

White 

Who  is  there  ? 

Wind 

Winter 

Woman 

Wood 

Wolf 


Svmauganaufi 

Nebki 

Nantaubaula"^ 

M.icko?i 

Tauneendah ! 

IVawwewm  ? 

^agonie  ? 

7aunippi 

Tab 

Wauhe 

^agonie  yiaubah  ? 

Loiitin 

Pepoun 

Icktuee 

Mittic 

Maivbingon 


Yeflerday 
X  et 

Young 
■yellow 


Petchilawgo 
Minnewatck 
WifconnekiJI\ 


C  A  R  V  E  R  »s    T  R  A  V  B  L  Sj  287 

*rhe  Numerical  Terms  of  the  Chipeways. 


One 
Two 

Three 
JFour 

V 

Five 

Six 

Seven 

Eight 

Nine 

Ten 

Eleven 

Twenty 

Thirty 

Forty 

Fifty 

Sixty 

Seventy 

Eighty 

Ninety 

Hundred 

*rhoufand 


Pajhik 
Ninch 
Nijjou 
Neau 
NaraH 

•NingcutWiiJfGU 
Ninchowajfcu 
NiJJlwaJfou 
Shongajfcu 
MittaujJGU 
Mittaujfou  P^JhLk 
Ninchtawnaw 
Nijfou  Mittawnaw 
Neau  yiittawnaw 
Naran  NLiitawnaw 
Ningout7vaJfcuyi.it-  7 

tawnaw  j 

Ninchcwajfou  M//-7 

tawnaw  3 

Nijfowajfcu     M/V-  7 

tawnaw  J 

Shongajfou  Mittaw-  7 

naw  3 

MittauffouMittaw-  7 

naiv  3 

Mittaujfow  M/V/«-7 

ujfou  Mittawnc/w  3 


iSS 


CARVER'3    TRAVEtd. 


A  Ihort  Vocabulary  of  the  Naudowcltie 

Language. 


Axe 


AJhpavs 


B 


Beaver 
Buffalo 
Bad 
Broach 
Bear,  a 


Chawbah 
Tawtongd 
Shejah 

Muzahootob  . 
fVahkonJhejah 


Canoe 

Cold 

Child,  a  Male 

Child,  a  Female 

Come  here 


TVaahtoh 

yiechuetah 

tVechoakJeh 

JVhacheekfeh 

Accooyouiyari 


Dead 
Deer 
Doaf- 


Negttjb 

Tchhjoh 

Shimgiifb 


£ 


Eat 
Ears 


Echazvv:emiu 
Ncokah 


C  A  K  V  B  R's    t  R  A  V  E  L  S. 

EVes 

EJhttke 

Evil 

Shejab 

• 

F 

Fire 

Paahtab 

Father 

Otah 

Frenchman 

Neehteegtifh 

Falls  of  Water 

Onvah  Menah 

Friend 

KUchi'vaoh 

G 

Good 

Wojhtdh 

Give 

Accooyeh 

Go  away      * 

j^ccoovjah 

God,  or  the  Great  Spirit 

Waken 

Gun 

Muzah  Wakofi 

Great 

Tongo 

Gold 

Muzaham 

i%^ 


H 


Hear 

Horfc 

Home,  or  domeftie 

Houfe 

Heaven 

Nookijhon 
Shueton^d 
Shuab 
Teebee 
Wojhtah  Teehee 

i 

Iron 
I,  or  me 

->                 • 

Muzah 
Meoh 

K 

King,  or  Chief 
Kin 

Otah 
Negujhtauga^ 

Oa 


ago  C  A  R  V  E  It's   T  R  A  V  E  L  S. 

4' 

L 


Little 
Long 
Lake 
Love 


Jeftin 
Tongoom 
Tongo  'bAeneh 
Ehwabmeab 


M 


Much 

More 

Moon 

Mouth 

Medal 

Mine 

Milk 


Otab 

Otenav» 

Oweeb 

Feb 

Muzab  OtaB 

Mewab 

Etfaiubob 


N 


No 

Near 


tieyab 
Jeeftinova 


0 


Oh! 


Hopiniyabiel 


Pipe 

Pipe  of  Peace 


Sbanuapa-w 
Sbanuapav)  Wahn 


R 


Rain 
Ring  * 
Round 


O-wab  Meneh 

Muzamcbupab 

Chupab 


CARVE  R'.      TRAVELS. 


'T 


Smoke 

Sbaweab 

Salt  Water 

Menis  ^eah 

Sec,  to 

EJhtd'ijj 

Sleep 

EJhteemo 

Snake 

OmUfhcavx 

SUR 

Paabtab 

Spirit 

fFakm 

Spirituous  Liquors 

Meneb  Haakon 

Snow 

Sinnee 

Surprifing 

Hopiniayare 

{Silver 

Muzabatn 

T 

Tobacco 

Sbatujajfaw 

Talk 

Owehcbin 

Tree 

Ocbaiu 

There 

Dacbe 

W 

\ 

Woman 

fVinnokejab 

Wonderful 

Hopiniyare 

Water 

Meneb 

What 

Taiugo 

Who  is  there  ? 

Tawgodacbe? 

Wicked 

Heyabatcbta 

Y 

You 

Cbee 

Young 

HawfavJtiav) 

4i> 


2g2 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


You  are  good  '     Wajhtah  Chee 
You  are  a  Spirit  JVakon  Chee 

You  are  my  good  friend         ^^^f  ^^^^'^^^  I 

"^o  gooci  Hey  ah  Wajhtah 


The  Numerical  Terms  of  the  Naudowc flies. 


One 

fVonchavj 

Two 

Noompaii) 

Three       , 

Tawtnonee 

Four 

Toboh 

Five 

Sa-whiittee 

Six 

Sha-wcoo 

Seven 

Shav^copee 

Eight 

Shahindohin 

Nine 

Nebochuhganong 

Ten 

Wegochungamng 

Eleven 

Wegochunganong  IVoncha^    , 

Twenty 

IVegochunganong  Noempaiu 

Thirty 

Wegochunganong  Tawmnee 

Forty 

Wegochunganong  Toboh 

tifty 

Wegochunganong  Sa-wbuttee 

Sixty 

Wegochunganong  Shaiuco 

Seventy 

Wegochunganong  Shaiucopee  * 

Eighty 

Wegochunganong  Shahindohin 

Ninety 

Wegochunganong  ]Vebochungano.:g 

Hundred 

Opohng                             . 

Thoufand 

Wegochunganong  Opohng 

To  this  ihort  vocabulary  of  the  Naudoweflle  lan- 
guage I  fhall  adjoin  a  fpecimen  of  the  manner  in 
which  they  unite  their  words.     I  have  chof<?n  for 


,CARVER'$    TRAVELS. 


*93 


this  purpofc  a  Ihort  fong,  whirH  they  fmg,  with 
fome  kind  of  melody,  though  not  with  any  appear^ 
apce  of  poetical  meafurc,  when  they  fet  ou^on 
their  hunting  expeditions;  and  have  given  as  near 
a  tranflation  as  the  difference  of  the  idioms  will 
permit. 

Meoh  accooitiah  ejhtaw  paatah  nrgu/ktawga-w  Jhejab 
menah,  Tongo  fVakon  meoh  viojhtay  paatah  accocwah, 
Hopiniyahie  oweeh  accooyee  mpoh,  wojhfa  patah  otah  tO" 
hinjoh  meoh  teebee^ 

\  will  rife  before  the  fun,  and  afcend  yonder  hill, 
to  fee  the  new  light  chafe  away  the  vapors,  and  dif- 
pcrfe  the  clouds.  Great  Spirit,  give  me  fuccefs. 
And  when  the  fun  is  gone,  lend  me,  oh  moon,, 
light  fufficient  to  guide  me  with  fafety  back  to  my 
tent  loaden  with  deer ! 


29i 


CARVE  R»8    TRAVELS. 


CHAPTER    XVIIL 


Of  the  BeaftSi  Birds,  Fijhes,  Reptiles,  and  TnjeSls^ 
vjhich  are  found  in  the  interior  Parts  of  Nortb-^ 
America. 


vJ'F  thefc  I  lliali,  in  the  firft  place,  give  a 
catalogue,  and  afterwards  a  defcription  of  fuch  only 
as  are  either  peculiar  to  this  country,  or  which  differ 
in  fome  material  point  from  thofe  that  arc  to  be  met 
with  in  oth(  r  realms. 


OF    THE    BEASTS. 


The  Tiger,  the  Bear,  Wolves,  Foxes,  Dogs, 
the  Cat  of  the  Mountain,  the  Wild  Cat,  the  Buffalo, 
the  Deer,  the  Elk,  the  Moofe,  the  Carraboo,  the 
Carcajou,  the  Skunk,  the  Porcupine,  the  HedgCT 
hog,  the  Woodchuck,  the  Racoon,  the  Marten, 
the  Fifher,  the  Mufquafh,  Squirrels,  Hares,  Rab- 
bits, the  Mole,  the  Weafel,  the  Moufe,  the  Dor- 
moufe,  the  Beaver,  the  Otter,  the  Mink,  and 
Bats. 


•  » 


CARVE  R*s    TRAVELS. 


295 


The  TIGER.  The  Tiger  of  America  rcfemblcs 
in  fhape  ^hofc  of  Africa  and  Afia,  but  is  confide- 
rably  fmaller.  Nor  docs  it  appear  to  be  fo  fierce 
and  revenoua  as  they  are.  The  colour  of  it  is  a  dark- 
ifh  fallow,  and  it  is  entirely  free  from  fpots,  I  faw 
one  on  an  ifland  in  the  Chipeway  River,  of  which  I 
had  a  very  good  view,  as  it  was  at  no  great  diftance 
from  me.  It  fat  up  on  its  hinder  parts  like  a  dog ; 
and  did  not  fcem  either  to  be  apprehenfive  of  ourap- 
proach,  or  to  difcover  any  ravenous  inclinations. 
It  is  however  very  feldom  to  be  met  with  in  this 
part  of  the  world. 

The  BEAR.  Bears  arc  very  numerous  on  this 
continent,  but  more  particularly  fo  in  the  northern 
parts  of  it,  and  contribute  to  furniih  both  food  and 
beds  for  almoft  every  Indian  nation.  Thofe  of 
America  differ  in  many  refpe£ts  from  thofe  either  of 
Greenland  or  Ruffia,  they  being  not  only  fomewhat 
fmaller,  but  timorous  and  inoffenfive,  unlefs  they 
are  pinched  by  hunger,  or  fmarting  from  a  wound. 
The  fight  of  a  man  terrifies  them  j  and  a  dog  will 
put  feveral  to  flight.  They  are  extremely  fond  of 
grapes,  and  will  climb  to  the  top  of  the  higheft  trees^ 
in  queft  of  them.  This  kind  of  food  renders  their  • 
flefh  exceffivcly  rich,  and  finely  flavored  j  and  it  is 
confequently  perferred  by  the  Indians  and  traders  to 
that  of  any  other  animal.  The  fat  is  very  white, 
and  befides  beirtg  fweet  and  wholefome,  ispoflefled  of 
one  valuable  quality,  which  is,  that  it  never  cloys. 
The  inhabitants  of  thefe  parts  conftantly  anoint 
thcmfelves,  with  it,  and  to  its  efficacy  they  in  a  great 
meafure  owe  their  agility.  The  feafon  for  hunting 
the  bear  is  during  the  winter ;  when  they  take  up 
their  abode  in  hollow  trees,  or  make  themfclves 
dens  in  the  roots  of  thofe  that  are  blown  down,  the 
entrance  of  which  they  flop  up  with  branches  of  fir 
that  lie  fcattered  about.     From  thefe  retreats  it  is 


t^ 


CARVE  R^      TRAVELS. 


faid  they  ftir  not  whilft  the  weather  continues  fevere/ 
and  as  it  is  well  known  that  they  do  not  provide  thcm- 
felves  with  food,  they  are  fiippofed  to  be  enabled 
by  nature  to  fubfift  for  fomc  months  without,  and 
during  this  time  to  continue  of  the  fame  bulk. 

The  WOLF*  The  wolves  of  North  America 
are  much  Icfs  than  thofe  which  are  met  with  in  other 
parrs  of  the  world.  They  have  however,  in  com- 
mon with  the  reft  of  their  fpecies,  a  wildnefs  in 
their  looks,  and  a  fierccnefs  in  their  eyes  ;  hotwith- 
ftanding  which,  they  are  far  from  being  fo  ravenous 
as  the  European  wolves,  nor  will  they  ever  atrack  a 
man,  except  they  have  accidentally  fed  on  the  flefh 
of  thofe  flam  in  battle.  When  they  herd  together, 
as  they  cfcen  do  in  the  winter,  they  make  a  hideous 
and  terrible  noife.  In  thefe  parts  there  are  two 
kinds }  one  of  which  is  of  a  fallow  colour,  the  other 
of  a  dun,  inclining  to  a  black. 

The  FOX.  There  are  two  fofts  of  foxes  in  North- 
America,  which  differ  only  in  their  colour,  one  be- 
ing of  a  reddilh  brown,  the  other  of  a  grey  j  thofe 
of  the  latter  kina  that  are  found  near  the  river 
Miffiffippi,  are  extremely  beautiful,  their  hair  being 
of  a  tine  lilver  grey^ 

DOGS.  The  dogs  employed  by  the  Indians  in 
hunting  appear  to  be  all  of  the  fame  fpecies  i  they 
carry  their  ears  ereft,  and  greatly  refemblc  a  wolf 
about  the  head.  They  are  exceedingly  ufeful  to 
them  in  their  hunting  excurfions,  and  will  attack  the 
tierccft  of  the  game  they  are  in  purfuit  of.  They  arc 
alfo  remarkable  for  their  fidelity  to  their  matters ; 
but  being  ill  fed  by  them,  are  very  troublefome  ir^ 
their  huts  or  tents* 


CA&VER's      TRAVELS. 


i$7 


The  CAT  of  the  Mountain.  This  creature  is  in 
fhapc  like  a  cat,  only  much  Jarger.  The  hair  or 
fur  refemblcs  alfo  the  ikin  of  that  domcftic  animal; 
the  colour  howc  vet*  differs,  for  the  former  is  of  a 
reddifh  or  orange  cad,  but  grows  lighter  near  the 
belly.  The  whole  fkin  is  beautified  with  black  fpot» 
of  different  figures,  of  which  thofc  on  the  back  arc 
long,  and  thofe  on  the  lower  parts  round.  On  the 
ears  there  are  black  (Iripes;  This  creature  is  nearly 
as  fierce  as  a  leopard,  but  will  fcldom  attack  a  man. 

The  BUFFALO.  This  beaft,  of  which  there 
are  amazing  numbers  in  thefc  parts,  is  larger  than 
an  ox,  has  fhort  black  horns,  with  a  large  beard 
under  his  chin,  and  his  head  is  fo  full  of  hair,  thac 
it  falls  over  his  eyes^  and  gives  him  a  frightful  look.' 
There  is  a  bunch  on  his  back  which  begins  at  the 
haunches,  and  increafing  gradually  to  the  Ihouldcrs, 
reaches  on  to  the  neck.  Both  this  excrefccnce  and 
its  whole  body  are  covered  with  long  hair,  or  ra- 
ther wool,  of  a  dun  or  moufc  colour,  which  is  ex- 
ceedingly valuable,  efpecially  that  on  the  fore  part 
of  the  body.  Its  head  is  larger  than  a  bull's^  with  a^ 
very  fhort  neck ;  the  bread  is  broad,  and  the  body 
decreafcs  towards  the  butrocks.  Thele  creatures? 
will  run  away  at  the  fight  of  a  man,  and  d  whole 
herd  will  make  off  when  they  perceive  a  fingle  dog." 
The  fiefli  of  the  buffalo  is  excellent  food,  its  hide 
extremely  ufclul,  and  the  harr  very  proper  for  thd 
manufadturc  of  various  articles. 

The  DEER.  There  is  but  one  fpecies  of  deer 
in  Norch-Americaj  and  thefe  are  higher  and  of  a 
flimmer  make  than  thofe  in  Europe.  Their  Ihape 
is  ne.'.riy  the  fame  as  the  European,  their  colour  of 
ii  deep  fallow,  and  their  horns  vtiy  large  and  branch- 
ino-.     This   be^ff  is  the  fwifteft  on  the  AmerTcaR 


-jiit/llMF'^ 


iy9 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


plains,  and  they  herd  together  as  they  do  in  other 
countries. 

The  ELK  greatly  exceeds  the  deer  in  fizc,  being 
in  bulk  cciual  to  a  horfe.  Its  body  is  (hapcd  like 
that  of  a  deer,  only  its  tail  is  remarkably  (hort,  be- 
ing not  more  than  three  inches  long.  The  colour 
of  its  hair,  which  is  grey,  and  not  unlike  that  of  a 
camel,  but  of  a  more  rcddifli  caft,  is  nearly  three 
inches  in  length,  and  as  coarfc  as  that  of  a  horfe. 
rhc  horns  of  this  creature  grow  to  a  prodigious  fize, 
extending  fo  wide  that  two  or  three  perlons  might 
fit  between  them  at  the  fame  time.  They  are  not 
forked  like  thofc  of  a  deer,  but  have  all  their  teeth 
or  branches  on  the  outer  edge.  Nor  does  the  form 
of  thofe  of  the  elk  refemble  a  dcer*s,  the  former  be- 
ing flat,  and  eight  or  ten  inches  broad,  whereas  the 
latter  are  round  and  confiderably  irarrower.  They 
Ihed  their  horns  every  year  in  the  month  of  Febru- 
ary, and  by  Auguft  the  new  ones  arc  nearly  arrived 
at  their  full  growth.  Notwithftanding  their  fize, 
and  the  means  of  defence  nature  has  furnifhed  them 
with,  they  are  as  timorous  as  a  deer.  Their  (kin  is 
very  ufefijl,  and  will  drefs  as  well  as  that  of  a  buck. 
They  feed  on  grafs  in  the  fummer,  and  on  mofs  or 
buds  in  the  winter. 

The  MOOSE  is  nearly  about  the  fize  of  the  elk, 
and  the  horns  of  it  are  almoft  as  enormous  as  that 
animal's  -,  the  ftem  of  them,  however,  is  not  quite 
fo  wide,  and  they  branch  on  both  fides  like  thofe  of 
a  deer ;  this  creature  alfo  fheds  them  every  year. 
Though  its  hinder  parts  are  very  broad,  its  tail  is 
not  above  an  inch  long.  It  has  feet  and  legs  like  a 
camel  j  its  head  is  about  two  feet  long,  its  upper  lip 
much  larger  than  the  under,  and  the  noftrils  of  it 
are  (o  wide  that  a  man  might  thruft  his  hand  into 
them  a  cORfiderable  way.     The  hair  ©f  the  moofe  is 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


299 


light  grey,  mixed  with  a   blackifli  red.     Ic  is  very 
claftic,  for  though  it  be  beaten  ever  fo  long,  it  will 
retain  its  origin.d  fliape.     The   flelh  is  cxccedinn; 
good  food,  eafy  of  digcftion,  and  yery  nourifliing. 
The  nofc,  or   upper   lip,  which  is  large   and  loofe 
from  the  gums,  is  efteemed  a  great  delicacy,  being 
of*  a  firm  confillence,  between  marrow  and  griftle, 
and  when  properly  drefled,  affbrds  a  rich  and  lufci- 
ous  dilh.     Its  hvde  is  very  proper  for  leather,  being 
thick  and  ftrong,  yetfoft  and  pliable.     The  pace  of 
this  creature  is  always  a  trot,  which  is  fo  expediti- 
ous, that  it  is  exx:ecdcd  in  fwiftnefs  but  by  few  of  its 
fellow  inhabitants  of  thefe  woods.     It  is  generally 
found  in  the  forcfts,  where  it  feeds  on  mofs  and  buds. 
Thoiigh  this  creature  is  of  the  deer  kind,  it  never 
herds  as  thofc  do.     Moft  authors   confound  it  with 
the  elk,  deer,  or  carraboo,  but  it  is  a  fpecies  totally 
different,  as  might  be  difcovered  by  attending  to  the 
/defcription  I  have  given  of  each. 

The  CARRABOO.  This  bead  is  not  near  fc 
tall  as  the  moofe,  however  it  is  fomething  like  it  in 
fliape,  only  rather  more  heavy,  and  inclining  to  th^ 
form  of  the  afs.  The  horns  of  it  are  not  flat  as  thofe 
of  the  elk  are,  but  round  like  thofe  of  the  deer  j  they 
alfo  meet  nearer  together  at  the  extremities,  and 
bend  more  over  the  face  than  cither  thofe  of  the  elk 
or  moofe.  It  partakes  of  the  fwiftnefs  of  the  deer, 
and  is  with  difficulty  overtaken  by  its  purfuers.  The 
flefli  of  it  is  likewife  equally  as  goojd,  the  tongue 
,  particularly  is  in  high  eftcem.  The  Ikin  being  fmooth 
and  free  from  veins,  is  as  valuable  as  fiiamoy. 

The  CARCAJOU.  The  creature,  which  is  of 
the  cat  kind,  is  a  terrible  enemy  to  the  preceding 
four  fpecies  of  beafts.  He  either  comes  upon  them 
from  Ibme  concealment  unperceived,  or  climbs  yp 
into  a  tree,  and  taking  his  flation  on  feme  of  the 


.._^«llt0if 


300 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


branches,  waits  till  one  of  them,  driven  by  an  ex- 
treme; of  heat  or  cold,  takes  fhclter  under  ic ;  when 
he  fallens  upon  his  neck,  and  opening  the  jugular 
vein,  foon  brings  his  prey  to  the  ground.  This  he 
is  enabled  to  do  by  his  long  tail,  with  which  he  en- 
circle the  body  of  his  adverlary ;  and  the  only  means 
they  have  to  fliun  their  fate,  is  by  flying  immedi- 
ately to  the  waterj  by  this  method,  as  the  carcajou 
has  a  gre^t  diflikc  to  that  element,  he  is  fometimes 
got  rid  of  before  he  can  effedt  his  purpofe. 

The  SKUNK.  This  is  the  mod  extraordinary 
animal  that  the  American  woods  produce.  It  is  ra- 
ther lefs  than  a  pole -cat,  and  of  the  fame  fpecies  ; 
it  is  therefore  often  miftaken  for  that  cr  iture,  but 
it  is  very  defFerent  from  it  in  many  points.  Its  hair 
is  long  and  Ihining,  variegated  with  large  black  and 
.\^hite  fpc^s,  the  former  moftly  on  the  Ibouiders  and 
rumpi  it  tail  is  very  bulhy,  like  that  of  the  fox,  part 
black,  and  part  white  like  its  body  j  it  lives  chieily 
in  the  woods  and  hedges ;  but  its  extraordinary  pow- 
ers are  only  ihewn  when  it  is  purfued.  As  foon  as 
he  finds  himfelf  in  danger,  he  ejeds,  to  a  great  dif- 
tance  from  behind,  a  fmall  ftream  of  water,  of  fo 
fubtile  a  nature,  and  at  the  fame  time  of  fo  powerful 
a  fmcll,  that  the  air  is  tainted  with  it  for  half  a  mile 
in  circumference  J  and  his  purfuers,  whether  men  or 
dogs,  being  almoft  fuffocated  with  the  flench,  are 
/Obliged  to  give  over  the  purfuit.  On  this  account 
he  is  called  by  the  French,  Enfant  du  Diable,  the 
-Child  of  the  Devil ;  or  B.^te  Puante,  the  Stinking 
Bead,  It  is  almafl  impollible  to  defcribe  the  noi- 
fome  efFeds  of  the  liquid  with  which  this  .creature  is 
Supplied  by  nat,ure  for  its  defence.  If  a  drop  of  it 
falls  .on  your  clothes,  they  are  rendered  fo  disagree- 
able that  i?  is  impofHble  ever  after  to  wear  them  j  or 
if  any  of  it  enters  your  eyelids,  the  pain  becomes  in- 
,t9lerable  for  a  long  time,  and  perhaps  at  laft  lofe 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


3or 


your  fight.  The  fmcll  of  the  ikunk,  though  thus 
to  be  dreaded,  is  not  like  that  of  a  putrid  carcafc, 
but  a  ftrong  foetid  effluvia  of  mufk,  which  difpleafes 
rather  from  its  penetrating  power  than  from  its  niu- 
feoLifnefs.  It  is  notwithflanding  confidered  as  con- 
ducive to  clear  the  head,  and  to  raifc  the  fpirits. 
This  water  is  fuppofcd  by  nuturalifts  to  be  its  urine: 
but  I  have  uilTeiSted  many  of  them  that  I  have  ftioc^ 
and  have  found  within  their  bodies,  near  the  urinal 
vcilci,  a  fmail  reccptaric  of  water,  totally  diitin^ 
from  the  bladder  which  contained  the  urine,  an4 
from  which  alone  I  am  fatisfied  the  horrid  ftench 
proceeds.  After  having  taken  out  with  great  care 
the  bag  wherein  this  water  is  lodged,  I  have  fre- 
quently fed  on  them,  and  have  found  them  very 
Iweet  and  good  j  but  one  drop  emitted,  taints  not 
only  the  carcafe,  but  the  whole  houfe,  and  renders 
every  kind  of  provifions,  that  arc  in  it,  unfit  for 
ufc.  With  great  judice  therefore  do  the  French 
give  it  fuch  a  diabolical  name. 

The  PORCUPINE.  The  body  cf  an  Ameri- 
can porcupine  is  in  bulk  abouk  the  fize  ot  n  fmall 
dog,  but  it  is  both  fhorter  in  length,  and  not  fo 
high  from  the  ground.  It  varies  very  much  from 
thofc  of  other  countries  both  in  its  fhape  and  the 
length  of  its  quills.  The  former  is  like  that  of  a  fox, 
except  the  head,  which  is  not  fo  Iharp  and  long, 
but  refemblcs  more  that  of  a  rabbit.  Its  body  is 
covered  with  hair  of  a  dark  brown,  about  four  in- 
ches long,  great  part  of  which  are  the  thicknefsofa 
ftraw,  and  are  termed  its  quills.  Thefe  are  white, 
with  black  points,  hollow  and  very  ftrong,  e(pcci- 
ally  thofe  that  grow  on  the  back.  The  quills  fcrvc 
this  creature  for  ofT^nfive  and  defenfive  weapons, 
which  he  darts  at  his  enemies,  and  if  they  pierce 
the  flefh  in  the  leaft  degree,  they  will  fink  quite  into 
it,  and  arc  not  to   be  extra«5ted  without  incifion. 


302 


CARVE  R»8    TRAVELS. 


The  Indians  ufe  them  for  boring  their  ears  and  Hofcs, 
to  infert  their  pendants,  and  alfo  by  way  of  orna- 
ment to  their  ftockings,  hair,  &c.  befides  which 
they  greatly  eftecm  the  flefh. 

The  WOOD-CHUCK  is  a  ground  animal  of 
the  fur  kind,  about  the  fize  of  a  marten,  being 
nearly  fifteen  inches  longi  its  body  however  is  roun- 
der, and  its  legs  Ihorter  j  the  fore-paws  of  it  are 
broad,  and  sonftruded  for  the  purpofe  of  digging 
holes  in  the  ground,  where  it  burrows  like  a  rabbit; 
its  fur  is  of  a  grey  colour,  on  the  reddilh  caft,  and 
its  flefh  tolerable  food. 

The  RACOON  is  fomewhat  lefe  in  fize  than  a 
beaver,  and  its  feet  and  legs  are  like  thofe  of  that 
creature,  but  fiiort  in  proportion  to  its  bodv,  which 
refembles  that  of  a  badger.  The  fhapc  or  its  head 
is  mucli  like  a  fox's,  only  the  ears  are  fhorter, 
more  round  and  naked  j  and  its  hair  is  alfo  fimilar 
to  that  animal's,  being  thick,  long,  foft,  and  black 
at  the  ends.  On  its  face  there  is  a  broad  flripe 
that  runs  acrofs  it,  and  includes  the  eyes,  which 
are  large.  Its  muzzle  is  black,  and  at  the  end 
roundifh  like  that  of  a  dogj  the  teeth  are  alfo 
fimilar  to  thofe  of  a  dog  in  number  and  fhapej  the 
tail  is  long  and  round,  with  annular  ftripes  on  it 
like  thofe  of  a  cat;  the  feet  have  five  long  flen- 
der  toes,  armed  with  fharp  claws,  by  which  it  is 
enabled  to  climb  up  trees  like  a  monkey,  and  to 
run  to  the  very  extremities  of  the  bougbs.  It  makes 
ufe  of  its  fore- feet,  in  the  manner  of  hands,  and 
feeds  itfclf  wich  them.  The  flefli  of  this  creature 
is  very  good  in  the  months  of  September  and  Oct 
tober>  when  fruit  and  nuts,,  on  which  it  likes  to 
feed,  are  plenty.    • 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


505 


The  MARTEN  is  rather  larger  than  a  fquirrtl, 
and  fomewhatof  the  fame  make;  its  legs  and  claws, 
however,  are  confiderably  fhorter.  Its  ears  are 
Ihort,  broad,  and  roundifn,  and  its  eyes  fhine  in 
the  night  like  thofe  of  a  cat.  The  whole  body  is 
covered  with  fur  of  a  brownifh  fallow  colour,  and 
tticre  are  fome  in  the  more  northern  parts  which 
are  black  j  the  fkins  of  the  latter  arc  of  much  grea- 
ter value  than  the  other.  The  tail  is  covered  with 
long  hair,  which  makes  it  appear  thicker  than  it 
really  is.  Its  flefli  is  fometimes  eaten,  but  is  not  in 
any  great  cfteem. 

The  MUSQUASH,  or  MUSK-RAT,  is  fo 
termed  for  the  exquifite  mufk  which  it  affords.  It 
appears  to  be  a  diminutive  of  the  beaver,  being 
endowed  with  all  the  properties  of  that  fagacious 
animal,  and  wants  nothing  but  fize  and  ftrength, 
being  not  much  bigger  than  a  large  rat  of  the  Nor- 
way breed,  to  rival  the  creature  it  fo  much  refem- 
bles.  Was  it  not  for  its  tail,  which  is  cxa6bly  the 
fame  as  that  of  an  European  rat,  the  ftru6lure  of 
their  bodies  is  fo  much  alike,  efpecially  the  head, 
that  it  might  be  taken  for  a  fmall  beaver.  Like 
that  creature  it  builds  itfelf  a  cabin,  but  of  a  lefs 
perfe<5t  conftruftion,  and  takes  up  its  abode  near 
the  fide  of  fome  piece  of  w^atcr.  In  the  fpring 
they  leave  their  retreats,  and  in  pairs  fubfift  on 
leaves  and  roots  till  the  fummer  comes  on,  when 
they  feed  on  ftrawberries,  ralberries,  and  fuch 
other  fruits  as  they  can  reach.  At  the  approach  of 
winter  they  feparate,  when  each  takes  up  its  lodging 
apart  by  itfelf  in  fome  hollow  of  a  tree,  where  they 
remain  quite  unprovided  with  fogd,  and  there  is 
the  greateft  reafon  to  believe,  fubfift  without  any 
till  the  return  of  fpring. 


J«4 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


SQUIRRELS.  There  arc  five  forts  of  fquirrek 
in  Americas  the  red,  the  grey,  the  black,  the  va- 
riegated, and  the  flying.  The  two  former  arc 
cxafUy  the  fame  as  thofc  of  Europe ;  the  black  are 
fbmewhat  larger,  and  differ  from  them  only  in 
colour  i  the  variegated  alfo  refcmble  them  in  (hape 
and  figure,  but  are  very  beautiful,  being  finely 
ftriped  with  v/hite  or  grey,  and  fometiines  with 
red  and  black.  The  American  flying  fquirrel  is 
much  lefs  than  the  European,  being  not  above  five 
inches  long,  and  of  a  ruflet  grey  or  afli -colour 
on  the  back,  and  white  on  the  under  parts.  It 
has  black  prominent  eyes,  like  thofe  of  the  moufe, 
with  a  long,  fiat,  broad  tail.  By  a  membrane  on 
each  fide,  which  reaches  from  its  fore  to  its  hind 
legs,  this  creature  is  enabled  to  leap  from  one  tree 
to  another,  even  if  they  (land  a  confiderable  diftance 
apart ;  this  loofe  fkin,  which  it  is  enabled  to  (trctch 
out  like  a  fail,  and  by  which  it  is  buoyed  up,  is 
about  two  inches  broad,  and  is  covered  with  a  fine 
hair  or  down.  It  feeds  upon  the  fame  provificns  as 
the  others,  and  is  eafily  tamed. 

The  BEAVER.  This  creature  has  been  fa  often 
treated  of^  and  his  uncommon  abilities  fo  minutely 
dcfcribed,  that  any  further  account  of  it  will  appear 
unneccflaryj  however  for  the  benefit  of  thofe  of  my 
readers  who  are  not  fo  w^ll  acquainted  with  the 
form  and  properties  of  this  fagacious  and  ufeful 
animal,  I  fhall  give  a  concife  dcfcription  of  it.  The 
beaver  is  an  amphibious  quadruped,  which  cannot 
live  for  any  long  time  in  the  water,  and  k  is  faid 
is  even  able  to  cxift  entirely  without  it,  provided 
it  has  the  convenience  of  fometimes  bathing  itfelf. 
The  largeft  beavers  are  nearly  four  feet  in  length, 
and  about  fourteen  or  fifteen  inches  in  breadth  over 
the  haunches i  they  weigh  about  fixty  pounds.  Its 
head  is  like  that  of  the  otter,  but  largerj  its  fnout 


C  A  R  V  E  il's    t  Tv  A  V  £  L  J5. 


3^5 


is  pretty  long,  the  eyes  fmall,  the  cars  fhort,  roiindi 
hairy  on  the  ouifidc,  and  fmooth  within,  and  its 
teeth  very  longj}  the  under  teeth  ftand  out  of  their 
mouths  about  the  breadth  of  three  fingers,  and 
the  upper  half  a  finger,  all  of  which  arc  broadj 
crooked,  ftrong,  ana  fharp;  Belides  thofe  teetll 
called  the  incifors,  which  gt-ow  double,  are  fet 
very  deep  in  their  jaws,  and  bend  like  the  edge  of 
an  axe,  they  have  fixtcen  grinders,  eight  on  each 
fide,  four  above  and  four  belowj  dircftly  oppofitc 
to  each  other.  With  the  former  they  are  able  t6 
cut  down  trees  of  a  confiderabfe  fize;  with  the  latter 
to  break  the  hardeft  fubftanccs.  Its  legs  arc,  fhort; 
particularly  the  fore-legs,  which  arc  only  foiii^  or 
five  inches  long,  and  not  unlike  thdfe  of  a  badger ; 
the  toes  of  the  fore-feet  arefeparatej  the  nails  placed 
obliqUelyi  and  ire  hollow  like  quills  j  bUt  the  hind 
feet  are  quite  diiferent,  and  furhifhed  with  mem- 
branes between  the  toes.  By  this  means  ic  caii 
walk  though  but  Howly,  and  is  able  to  Iwim  ^vith 
as  much  cafe  as  any  other  aquitic  animal;  The 
tail  has  fomewhat  in  it  that  refenibles  a  fillip  and, 
feems  to  have  no  manner  of  relation  to  the  reft  of 
the  body,  except  the  hind  feet;  all  the  other  parts 
being  fimilar  to  thole  of  land  animals.  The  tail  is 
covered  with  a  Ikin  furnilhed  with  fcales,  that: 
are  joined  together  by  a  pellicle ;  rheir  fcales  arc 
slbout  the  thicknefs  of  parchment,  nearly  a  line  and 
a  half  in  length,  and  generally  of  a  licxdgonical 
figure;  havi.'ig  fix  cot-nersj  it  is  about  eleven  or 
twelve  inches  in  length,  and  broader  in  the  middle, 
where  it  is  four  inches  over,  than  cither  at  the  rocc 
Or  the  exiremitv.  It  is  about  two  inches  thick  near 
the  body,  where  it  is  almoft  roUnd,  and  grows  gra- 
dually thinner  and  flitter  to  the  end.  The  colour 
of  the  beaver  is  different  according  to  the  difl^:reriC 
climates  in  which  it  is  found.     In  the  moft  northcrri 

Qq 


5o6 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


parts  they  are  generally  quite  black  j  in  more  tem- 
perate, brown;  their  colour  beconing  lighter  and 
lighter  a:,  they  appronch  towards  the  fouth.  The 
fur  is  of  two  Ibrts  ail  over  the  body,  except  ?t  the 
feet,  where  it  is  very  iliort  j  that  which  is  the  longeft 
is  generally  in  length  about  an  inch,  but  on  the  back 
it  fomctimes  extends  to  two  inches,  gradually  di- 
mini thing  towards  the  head  and  tail.  This  part  of 
tlie  fur  is  harfhi  coarfe,  and  fliining,  and  of  little 
ufej  the  other  part  confifts  of  a  very  thick  and  tine 
down,,  fo  f©ft  that  it  feels  almoft  likfc  filk,  about 
three  quarters  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  is  what  is 
commonly  manufadlurcd.  Caftor,  which  is  ufeful 
in  medicine,  is  produced  from  the  body  of  this 
creature  j  it  was  formerly  believed  to  be  its  tefticles, 
but  later  difcoveries  have  fliown  that  it  is  contained 
in  four  bags,  fituated  ih  the  lower  belly.  Two  of 
which,  that  are  called  the  fuperior,  from  their  being 
more  elevated  than  the  others,  are  filled  with  a  foft, 
refmous,  adhefive  matter,  mixed  with  fmall  fibres^ 
greyifh  without,  and  yellow  within,  of  a  ftrong^ 
difagreeable,  and  penetrating  fcent,  and  very  in- 
flammable. This  is  the  true  caftor*ium:  it  hardens 
in  the  air,  and  becomes  brown,  brittle,  and  friable; 
The  inferior  bags  contain  an  iiniftuous  liquor  like 
honey  i  the  colour  of  which  is  a  pale  fellow,  and 
its  odor  foinewhat  different  fiom  the  other,  being 
rather  weaker  ai  '  more  difagreeable,  it  however 
thickens  as  it  grows  older,  and  at  length  becomes 
about  the  confifience  6(  tallow.  This  has  alfo  its 
particular  ufe  in  medicine  j  but  it  is  not  fo  valuable 
as  the  true  eaftoreum.> 

Th'^  ingehuity  of  thefe  creatures  in  building  their 
Cabins,  and  in  providing  for  their  fubfiftence,  is  truly 
Wdndcrfiil.  When  they  are  about  to  coofe  them- 
felvcs  ix  habitation,  they  aflemble  in  companies 
f&metimes  of  two  or  ihtee  hundred,  and  after  mature 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


307 


deliberation  fix  on  n  place  where  plenty  of  pro^ 
yifions  and  all  necelTaries  are  to  be  found.  Their 
houfes  arc  always  fituated  in  the  water,  and  when 
they  can  find  neither  lake  nop  pond  adjacent,  they 
endeavour  to  fupply  the  defed  by  flopping  the  cur- 
rent of  fome  brook  or  fmall  river  by  means  of  a  caufe^ 
way  or  dam,  For  this  purpofc  they  i'ct  about  fell- 
ing of  trees,  and  they  take  care  to  choofe  out  thofe 
that  grow  above  the  place  where  they  intend  to  build, 
that  they  may  fwim  down  with,  the  current.  Hav- 
ing fixed  on  thofe  t-hat  are  proper,  three  or  foi'r 
beavers  placing  themfelves  round  a  large  one,  find 
means  with  their  ftrong  teeth  to  bring  it  down. 
They  alfo  prudently  contrive  that  it  iliallfall  towards 
the  water,  that  they  may  have  the  lefs  way  to  carry 
it.  After  they  have  by  a  continuance  of  the  fame 
labor  and  induftry,  cut  it  into  proper  lengths,  they 
roll  thefe  into  the  water,  and  navigate  them  towards 
the  place  where  they  are  to  be  employed.  Without 
entering  more  minutely  into  the  meafures  they  pur- 
fue  in  the  conftru6tion  of  their  dams,  I  fhall  only 
remark,  that  having  prepared  a  kind  of  mortar  with 
their  feet>  and  laid  it  on  with  their  tails,  which  they 
had  before  made  uiie  of  to  tranfport  it  to  the  place 
where  it  is  requifite,  they  conftru6l  them  with  as 
much  foiidity  and  regularity  as  the  molt  experi- 
enced workmen  could  do.  The  formation  of 
their  cabins  is  no  Icfs  amazing.  Thefeare  either 
built  on  piles  in  the  middle  of  the  fmall  lakes 
they  have  thus  formed,  on  the  bank  of  a  river, 
or  at  the  extremity  of  fome  point  of  land  that  ad- 
vances into  a  \ake.  The  figure  of  th  jm  is  round  or 
oval,  and  they,  are  fafhioned  with  an  ingenuity  equal 
to  their  dams.  Two  thirds  of  the  ediJice  ftan-d  above 
the  water,  and  this  part  is  fufliciently  capacious  to. 
gonta,in  eight  or  ten  inhabitants.  Each  beayer  has, 
lliis  place  affigned  him,  the  floor  of  which  he  curi^ 
Quily  ftrevys  with  leaves,  or  fmall,  branches  of  tli^ 


^a 


CARVER'S    TRAVE^t^a. 


pinc-trcc,  (o  as  to  render  it  clean  and  comfortable; 
and  their  cabins  are  all  fituated  fo  contiguous  to 
each  other,  as  to  allow  of  an  eafy  communication. 
The  winter  never  furprifes  thefe  animals  before  their 
bufincfs  is  completed  i  for  by  the  latter  end  of  Sep- 
tember their  houfes  are  tinifhcd,  and  their  (lock  of 
provifions  is  generally  laid  in.  Thefe  confift  of 
fmall  pieces  of  wood  whole  texture  is  foft,  fuch  as 
the  ppjjlar, '  the  afpin,  or  willow,  &c.  which  they 
lay  up  in  piles,  arid  difpofe  of  in  fuch  maner  as  to 
prcfervc  their  moifture.'  Was  I  to  enumerate  every 
mftance  of  fagacity  that  is  to  be  difcovered  in  thefe 
animals,  they  would  fill  a  volume,  and  prove  no^ 
on  y  entertaining  but  inftru6l:ivc. 

The  OTTER,  This  creature  alfo  is  amphibi- 
ous, and  greatly  refembles  a  beaver,  but  is  very 
diftererit  from  it  m  many  refpefts.  Its  body  is  nearly 
as  long  as  a  bcayer's,  but  confiderably  l^fs  in  all  its 
parts, '"  The  fnuzzie,  eyes,  and  the  foi^m  of  the 
jiead  are'  nearly  the  f^me,  but  the  teeth  are  very 
unlike,  for  the  otter  wants  the  large  incifors  or  nip- 
pers that  a  beaver  has i  inftead  of  thefe,  all  his 
teeth,  without  any  diftin(5bion,  are  Ihaped  like 
thofe  pf  ^  dog  or  wolf.  The  hair  alfo  of  the 
former  is  not  half  fo  long  as  that  belonging  to 
the  latter,  ^or  is  thie  colour  of  it  exadtly  the  fame, 
for  the  Ijiair  of  an  otter  under  the  heck,  flomach,^ 
and  belly,  is  tnore  greyifh  than  that  of  a,  beaver, 
and  in  niany  other  refpefts  it  likewife  varies. 
This  animal,  which  is  met  with  in  moft  parts  of 
^he  Wofid,  but  in  much  greater  numbers  in  North- 
iVmerica,  is  very  mifchievous,  and  when  he  is 
clofely  purfucd,  will  not  only  attack  dogs  brt 
men.  • 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


309. 


It  generally  feeds  upon  filh,  efpecially  in  the 
fummcr,  but  in  the  winter  is  contented  with  the 
bark  of  trees,  or  the  produce  of  the  fields.  Its 
flefh  both  taftes  and  fmells  offifh,  and  is  not  whole- 
feme  food,  though  it  is  fomctimcs  eaten  through 
nccelTity. 

The  MINK  is  of  the  otter  kind,  and  fubfifts  in 
the  fame  manner.  In  fhape  and  fize  it  rcfemblcs  a 
pole-cat,  being  equally  long  and  flender.  Its  fkin 
IS  blacker  than  that  of  m  otter,  or  a^moft  any  othei* 
creature;  **  as  black  as  a  mink,"  being  a  pro- 
verbial expreffion  in  America j  it  is  not  however 
fo  valuable,  though  this  greatly  depends  on  the 
ieafon  in  which  it  is  taken.  Its  tail  is  round  like 
that  of  a  fnakc,  but  growing  flattifh  towards  the 
end,  and  is  entirely  without  hair.  An  agreeable 
mufky  fcent  exhales  from  its  body;  and  it  is  met 
with  near  the  four^es  p/  rivers,  on  whofe  banks  it 
chiefly  lives, 

OF     THE    BIRPS. 


The  Eagle,  the  Hawk,  the  Night  Hawk,  the 
Fifli  Hawk,  the  WhipperwiHj  the  Raven,  the  Crow, 
the  Owl,  Parrots,  the  Pelican,  the  Crane,  the  Stork, 
the  Cormorant,  the  Heron,  the  Swan,  the  Goofe, 
Ducks,  Teal,  the  Loon,  the  Water-Hen,  the  Tur- 
key, the  Heath  Cock,  the  Partridge,  the  Quail,  Pi- 
geons, the  Snipe,  Larks,  the  Woodpecker,  the  Cuc- 
koo, the  Blue  Jay,  the  Swallow,  the  Wakon  Bird, 
the  Black  Bird,  the  Red  Bird,  the  Thrufh,  the  Whet- 
faw,  the  Nightingale,  the  King  Birdj  the  Robin,  the 
Yfren,  and  the  Humming  Bird. 


■  mm«00t^^ 


3<<* 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


The  EAGLE.  There  arc  only  two  forts  of  ea- 
gles in  thelc  parts,  the  bald  and  the  grey,  which  art- 
much  the  fame  in  fizc,  and  f^milar  to  the  Ihape  o( 
thofe  of  other  countries. 

The  NIGHT  HAV^K.  This  bird  is  of  the 
hawk  fpecies,  its  bill  being  crooked,  its  wings 
formed  for  fwiftnefs,  and  its  Ihape  nearly  like  that  of 
the  common  hawk ,  but  in  fi^e  ii  is  cpnfiderabiy  lefs, 
and  in  colour  rather  darker.  It  is  fcarcely  ever  feen 
but  in  the  evening,  when,  at  the  approach  of  twi- 
light, it  flies  about,  and  darts  itfelf  in  wanton  gam- 
bols at  the  head  of  the  belated  traveller.  Before  a 
thunder-lhower  thefe  birds  are  feen  at  an  amazing 
height  in  the  air,  al^embled  together  in  great  num- 
bers, as  fwallows  are  obferved  to  do  on  the  fame 
pccafion. 

The  WHIPPERWILL,  or,  as  it  U  termed  Ky 
the  Indians,  the  Muckawifs.  This  extraordinary 
bird  is  fomewhat  like  the  laft-mentioned  in  its  Ihape 
^nd  colour,  only  it  has  fome  whitilh  flripes  acrofs  the 
■wings,  and  like  that  is  feldom  ever  feen  till  after 
fun-fet.  It  alfa  is  never  met  with  but  during  the 
fpring  and  fummer  months.  As  foon  as  the  Indi- 
ans are  informed  by  its  notes  of  it$  return,  they  con- 
clude that  the  froft  is  ent;irely  gone,  in  which, they 
are  feldom  deceived,  and  on  receiving  thi^s  afliirance 
of  milder  weal;hcr,^  begin  to  fow  their  corn.  It  ac- 
quires its  name  by  the  noife  it  makes,  \yhich  to  the 
people  of  the  colonies  founds  like  the  name  they  give 
it,  Whipperwill  j  to  an  Indian  ear  Muck-a-wifs, 
The  words,  it  is  true,  are  not  alike,^  but  in  this  man- 
ner they  ftrike  the  imagination  of'  both  j  and  the 
circumftance  is  a  proof  that  the  fame  founds,  if  they 
are  not  rendered  certain  by  being  reduced  to  the 
rules  of  orthography,  might  convey  different  idea^ 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS.  $ii 

{o  different  people.  As  foon  as  night  comes  on, 
thefc  birds  will  place  themfelves  on  the  fences^ 
Itumps,  or  (tones  that  lie  near  fomc  houfe,  and  re- 
peat their  melancholy  notes  without  any  variation  till 
midnight.  The  Indians,  and  fomc  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  back  fcttlements,  think  if  this  bird 
J)<:rchcs  upon  any  houfe,  that  it  betokens  fome 
mifhap  to  the  inhabitants  of  it. 

The  FISH  HAWK  greatly  fefembles  the  latter 
in  its  fhape,  and  receives  his  name  from  his  foodj 
which  is  generally  filh  i  it  Ikims  over  the  lakes  and 
rivers  and  fometimes  feems  to  lie  expanded  on  thfi 
Water,  as  he  hovers  fo  clofe  to  it,  and  having  by 
fome  attractive  power  drawn  the  filh  within  its  reach, 
darts  fiiddenly  upon  them.  The  charm  it  make^ 
ufe  of  is  fuppofed  to  be  an  oil  contained  in  a  fmall 
bag  in  the  body,  and  which  nature  has  by  fomc 
ineans  or  bther  fupplied  him  with  the  power  of  ufing 
for  this  purpofe ;  it  is  however  very  certain  that  any 
bait  touched  with  a  drop  of  the  oil  colle6ted  fronv 
this  bird  is  an  irrefiftible  lure  for  all  forts  of  fifh,  and 
infurcs  the  angler  great  fuccefs. 

The  OWL.  The  only  fort  of  owls  that  is  found 
pn  the  banks  of  the  Miififfippi  is  extremely  beauti- 
ful in  its  plumage,  being  of  a  fine  deep  yellow  or 
gojd  colour,  pleafmgly  Ihadcd  and  fpotted; 

The  CRANE.  There  is  a  kind  of  crane  in  thefe 
partSj  which  is  called  by  Father  Hennipin  a  pelican, 
that  is  about  the  fi2e  of  the  European  crane,  of  a 
greyilh  colour,  and  with  long  legs  j  but  this  Ipecies 
differs  from  all  others  in  its  bill,  which  is  about 
twelve  inches  lone,  and  oae  inch  and  a  half  broad,  of 
which  breadth  it  continues  to  the  end,  where  it  is 
blunted,  and  round  like  a  paddle :  its  tongue  is  of 
the  fame  length. 


3*» 


CARVERS    TRAVEL  <?. 


DUCKS.  Among  a  variety  of  wild  ducks; 
the  diUcrent  fpccies  of  which  amount  to  upwards 
of  twenty,  I  fliall  confine  my  dcfcription  to  one 
fort,  that  is,  the  wood  duck,  or,  as  the  French 
term  it,  Canard  Branchus.  This  fowl  receives  its 
name  from  its  frequenting  the  woodsj  and  ptrchinw 
on  the  branches  of  trees,  which  no  other  kind  of 
water  fowl  (a  charafteriftic  that  this  (till  prefervcs) 
is  known  to  do.  It  is  nearly  of  a  fize  with  other 
ducks;  its  plumage  is  beautifully  variegated,  and 
very  brilliant.  The  flelh  of  it  alio,  as  it  feeds  but 
little  on  fifhi  is  finely  flavored,  and  much  fuperior 
to  any  other  fort. 

The  TEAL.  I  have  alrei  d/  remarked  in  my 
Journal,  that  the  teal  found  on  the  Fox  River^ 
and  the  head  branches  of  the  MiflilTippi,  are  per- 
haps not  to  be  equalled  for  the  fatnefs  and  delicacy 
of  their  flefh  by  any  other  in  the  world.  In  colour^ 
ihape,  and  fize  they  are  very  little  different  from 
thofe  found  in  other  countries. 

The  LOON  is  a  water  fowl,  fomeWhai  lefs  than 
a  teal,  and  is  a  fpecies  of  the  dobchick.  Its  wings 
are  (hort,  and  its  legs  and  feet  large  in  proportion 
to  the  body;  the  colour  of  it  is  a  dark  brown, 
nearly  approaching  to  black  j  and  as  it  feeds  only 
on  fiilii  the  flefh  of  it  is  very  ill  fislvored.  Thefe 
birds  are  exceedingly  nimble  and  expert  at  diving; 
fo  that  it  is  almoft  impoflible  for  one  perfon  to  fhoot 
them,  as  they  will  dextrcufly  avoid  the  fhot  by 
diving  before  they  reach  themi  (a  that  it  requires 
three  perfons  to  kill  one  of  them,  and  this  can  only 
be  done  the  moment  it  raifes  its  head  out  of  the  wa- 
ter as  it  returns  to  the  furface  after  diving.  It 
however  oiily  repays  the  trouble  taken  co  obtain  it, 
by  the  excellent  fport  it  affords. 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


3>3 


The  PARTRIDGE.  There  are  three  forts  of 
Jiartridgcs  here,  the  brown,  the  red,  andthebluck, 
the  firft  of  which  is  mod  eftecmcd.  They  arc  ail 
much  larger  than  the  European  partridges,  being 
nearly  the  fize  of  a  hen  pheafantj  their  head  ami 
eyes  are  alfo  like  that  'bird,  and  they  have  all  long 
tails,  which  they  fprcad  like  a  fan,  but  noteredtj 
but  contrary  to  the  cuflom  of  thofe  in  other  coun- 
tries, they  will  perch  on  the  branches  of  the  poplar 
and  black  birch,  on  the  buds  of  which  they  tccd 
early  in  the  morning  and  in  the  twilight  of  the 
evening  during  the  winter  months,  when  they  are 
cafily  Ihot. 

The  WOOD   PIGEON  is  nearly  the   fame  as 
ours,    and  there  arc   fuch  prodigious  quantities  of 
them  on  the  banks  of  the  Mifllflippi,  that  they  will 
fometimes  darken  the  fun  for  feveral  minutes. 

The  WOODPECKER.  This  is  a  very  beau- 
tiful birdi  there  is  one  fort  whofe  feathers  arc  a  mix- 
ture of  various  colours;  and  another  tha:  is  brown 
all  over  the  body,  except  the  head  and  neck,  which 
are  of  a  fine  red.  As  this  bird  is  fuppofed  to  maks 
a  greater  noife  than  ordinary  at  particular  times,  iL 
is  conjedured  his  cries  then  denote  rain. 

The  BLUE  JAY.  This  bird  is  ftiaped  nearly 
like  the  European  jay,  only  that  its  tail  is  longer. 
On  the  top  of  its  head  is  a  creft  of  blue  feathers, 
which  is  railed  or  let  down  at  pleafure.  The  lower 
part  of  the  neck  behind,  and  the  back,  are  of  a  , 
purplifh  colour,  and  the  upper  fides  of  the  wings 
and  tail,  as  well  as  the  lower  part  of  the  back  and 
rump,  are  of  a  fine  blue;  the  extremities  of  the 
wings  are  blackifh,  faintly  rinftured  with  dark  blue 
on  the  edges,  whilft  the  other  parts  of  the  wing  arc 

Rr      * 


5'* 


CARVER'3       TRAVELS. 


barred  aciofs  with  bhck  in  an  elegant  manner 
Upon  the  whole  this  bird  can  fcarcely  be  exceeded 
in  beauty  by  any  of  the  winged  inhabitants  of  this 
or  other  climates.  It  has  the  fame  jetting  motion 
that  jays  generally  have>  and  its  cry  is  hr  more 
pleafmg. 

The  WAKON  BIRD,  as  it  is  termed  by  the 
Indians,  appears  to  be  of  the  fame  fptcies  as  the 
birds  of  paradife.  The  name  they  have  given  it  is 
expreffive  of  its  fuperior  cisceilence,  and  the  vene- 
ration they  have  for  itj  the  wakon  bird  being  in 
their  language  the  bird  of  ^he  Great  Spirit.  It  is 
nearly  the  fize  of  a  fwallow,  of  a  brown  colour, 
(haded  about  the  neck  with  a  bright  green;  the 
wings  are  of  a  darker  brown  than  the  body;  its  tail 
is  compoled  of  four  or  five  feathers,  which  are  three 
times  as  long  as  its  body,  and  which  are  beautifully 
Ihaded  with  green  and  purple.  It  carries  thir  'Anc 
length  of  plumage  in  the  fame  manner  as  a  peacock 
does,  but  it  is  not  known  whether  it  ever  raifes  ic 
into  the  eredt  pofition  that  bird  fometimes  does« 
I  never  faw  any  of  thefe  birds  in  the  colonies,  but 
the  Naudoweflie  Indians  caught  feveral  of  them  when 
I  was  in  their  country,  and  feemed  to  treat  them 
as  if  they  were  of  a  fuperior  rank  to  any  other  of 
the  feathered  race. 

The  BLACK  BIRD.  There  are  three  forts  of 
birds  in  North- America  that  bear  this  name;  the 
firft  is  the  common,  or  as  it  there  termed,  the  crow 
black  bird,  which  is  quite  black,  and  of  the  fame 
fize  and  ihape  of  thofe  in  Europe,  but  it  has  not 
that  melody  in  its  notes  which  they  have.  In  the 
month  of  September  this  fort  fly  in  large  flights^ 
and  do  great  mifchief  to  the  Indian  corn,  which  is 
at  tl  a.  time  juft  ripe.  The  fecond  fort  is  the  red- 
wing, which  is  rather  fmaller  than  the  firft  fpecies, 


CARVER' 8    TRAVELS. 


3>5 


but  like  it  is  black  all  over  its  body,  except  on  tli« 
lower  rim  of  the  wings,  where  it  is  a  fine,  bright, 
full  fcarlct.  It  builds  its  neft,  and  chiefly  reforts 
among  the  fraall  bufhes  that  grow  in  meadows 
and  low,  fwampy  places.  It  whiftles  a  few  notes, 
but  is  not  equal  in  its  fong  to  the  European  black 
bird.  The  third  fort  is  of  the  fume  fize  as  the  lat- 
ter, and  is  jet  black  lilie  that,  but  all  the  upper 
part  of  the  wing,  juft  bdow  the  back,  is  of  a  fine, 
clear  white;  as  if  nature  intended  to  diverfi fy  the 
fpecies,  and  to  atone  for  the  want  of  a  melodious 
pipe  by  the  beauty  of  its  plumage ;  for  this  alfo  is 
deficient  in  its  mufical  powers.  The  beaks  of  every 
fort  are  of  a  full  yellovv,  ai  d  the  females  of  each  of 
a  rufty  black  like  the  European. 

The  RED  BIRD  is  about  the  Cize  of  a  fparrow, 
b^r  with  a  long  tail,  and  is  all  over  of  a  bright 
vermilion  colour,  I  faw  many  of  them  about  the 
Ottawaw  Lakes,  but  I  could  not  learn  that  thev 
fung.  I  alfo  obferved  in  fome  other  parts,  a  bird 
of  much  the  fame  make,  that  was  entirely  of  a  fine 
yellow. 

The  WHETSAW  is  of  the  cuckoo  kind,  being 
like  that,  a  folitary  bird,  and  fcarccly  ever  feen. 
In  the  fummer  months  it  is  heard  in  the  groves, 
where  it  makes  a  ncife  like  the  filing  of  a  faw  j  from 
which  it  receives  its  name. 

The  KING  BIRD  is  like  a  fwallow,  and  feems 
to  be  of  the  fame  fpecies  as  the  black  marten  or 
fwift,  It  is  called  the  King  Bird  bccaufe  it  is  able 
to  mafter  almoft  every  bird  that  flies,  I  have  often 
feen  it  bring  down  a  hawk. 

The  HUMMING  BIRD.  This  beautiful  bird, 
which  is  the  fmalleft  of  the  feathered  inhabitants  oi 
the  air,  is  about  the  third  part  the  fize  of  ^  wreoj 


316 


C  A  R  V  E  R?s    TRAVELS. 


and  is  fiiaped  extremely  like  it.  Its  legs,  which 
are  about  an  inch  long,  app;?ar  like  two  fniall 
needles,  and  its  body  is  proportionable  to  them. 
But  its  plumage  exceeds  dcfcription.  On  its  head 
^t  has  a  fmall  tuft  of  a  jetty,  Ihining  black;  the 
breaft  of  it  is  red,  the  belly  white,  the  back,  wings, 
and  tail  of  the  fined  pale  green  j  and  fmajl  fpecks 
of  gold  are  fcattered  with  inexprelTible  grace  over 
the  whole:  befides  this,  -^n  almolt  imperceptible 
down  foftens  the  colours,  and  produces  the  moft 
pleafing  ihades.  With  its  bill,  which  is  of  the 
fame  diminutive  fize  as  the  other  parts  of  its  body, 
it  ext 'afts  fiom  the  flowers  a  moifturc  which  is  its 
nourifhment;  over  thefe  it  hovers  like  a  bee,  but 
never  lights  on  them,  moving  at  the  fame  time  it? 
wings  with  fuch  velocity  tliat  the  motion  of  them 
is  imperceptible;  nctwirhftanding  which  they  make 
a  humming  noife,  fiQi^i  vyheiice  it  receives  iis 
name. 


Of   the    fishes   which   are  found   in   th^ 
Waters  of  the'  Mississippi. 


1  have  already  given  a  defcription  of  thofe  that  arc 
taken  in  thp  great  lakes. 

The  Sturgeon,  the  Pout  or  Cat  Fifh,  the  Pike, 
the  Garp,  and  the  Chub, 

The  STURGEON.  The  frefli  water  fturgeon 
is  ibaped  in  no  other  refped  lijce  thofe  taken  near 
the  fea,  except  in  the  formation  of  its  head  and 
tail;  which  are  fafliioned  in  the  fame  manner,  but 
the  body  is  not  fo  angulated,  nor  are  tb-re  fo  many 
horny  fcales  about  it  as  on  the  latter.  Its  length 
is  generally  about  two  feet  and  a  half  or  three  feet 
lon^i  but  in  circumference  not  proportionable,  be- 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


3«7 


US 


'ike, 


ing  a  flender  filb.  The  flefh  is  exceedingly  delicate 
and  finely  flavored  j  I  caught  fome  in  the  kcad  wa- 
ters of  the  river  St.  Croix  that  far  exceeded  trout. 
The  manner  of  taking  them  is  by  watching  them 
as  they  lie  under  the  banks  in  a  clear  ftream,  and 
darting  at  them  with  a  filh-fpearj  for  they  will  not 
take  a  bait.  There  is  alfo  in  the  Miffiffippi,  and 
there  only,  anopher  fort  than  the  fpecies  I  have  def- 
cribed,  which  is  fimilar  to  it  in  every  refped:,  ex- 
cept that  the  upper  jaw  extends  foui^teen  or  fifteen 
inches  beyond"  the  underj  this extenfive  jaw,  which 
is  of  a  griftly  fubftance,  is  three  inches  and  a  half 
broad,  and  continues  of  that  breadth,  fomewhat  in 
the  fhape  of  an  oar,  to  the  end,  which  is  flat.  The 
flelh  of  this  filh,  hov/ever,  is  not  to  be  compared 
w  ith  the  other  fort,  and  is  not  fo  much  cfl:eemed 
even  by  the  Indians. 

The  CAT  FISH.  This  fifh  is  about  eighteen 
inches  longj  of  a  brownifli  colour,  and  without 
fcales.  It  has  a  large  round  head,  from  whence  it 
receives  its  name,  on  diflierent  parts  of  which  grow 
three  or  four  ftrong,  fharp  horns  about  two  inches 
long.  Its  fins  are  alfo  very  bony  and  flrong,  and 
without  great  care  will  pierce  the  hands  of  thofc 
who  take  them.  It  weighs  commonly  about  five 
or  fix  pounds;  the  flefli  of  it  is  exceffively  fat  and 
lufcious,  and  greatly  refembles  that  of  an  eel  in  its 
flavor. 


reon 

inear 

and 

but 

lany 

igth 

I  feet 

Ibe- 


The  CARP  and  CHUB  are  much  the  fame  as 
fhofe  in  England,  and  nearly  about  the  fame  in  fizc. 

OF     SERPENTS. 

The  Rattle  Snake,  the  Long  Black  Snake,  the 
Wall  or  Houfe  Adder,  the  Striped  or  Garter  Snake, 


jia 


C  A  R  V  E  R'8      r  R  A  V  E  L  S, 


the  Wj  cr  Snake,  the  HifTing  Snake,  the  Green 
Snake,  the  Thorn-tail  Snake,  the  Speckled  Snake, 
the  Ring  Snake,  the  Two-headed  Snalie, 

The  RATTLE  SNAKE.  There  appears  to 
be  two  fpecies  of  this  reptile;  one  of  which  is  com- 
monly termed  the  Black,  and  the  other  the  Yellow; 
and  of  thefe  the  latter  is  generally  confidered  as  the 
largeft.  Ac  their  full  growth  they  are  upwards  of 
Jive  feet  long,  and  the  middle  part  of  the  body,  ac 
which  it  is  of  the  greatetl  bulk,  meafures  about  nine 
inches  round.  From  that  part  it  gradually  decrea- 
fes  both  towards  the  head  and  the  tail.  The  neck 
is  proportionably  very  fmall,  and  the  head  broad 
and  deprefTed.  Thefe  are  of  a  light  brown  colour, 
the  iris  of  the  eye  red,  and  all  the  upper  part  of  the 
body  brown,  mixed  with  a  ruddy  yellow,  and  che- 
quered with  many  regular  lines  of  a  deep  black, 
gradually  fh^ding  towards  a  gold  colour.  In  fhorc 
the  whole  of  this  dangerous  reptile  is  very  beautiful, 
and  could  it  be  viewed  with  lefs  terror,  ftich  a  va- 
riegated arrangement  of  colours  would  be  extremely 
pleafing,  But  thefe  are  only  to  be  fecn  in  their 
higheft  perfe6lion  at  the  time  this  creature  is  ani- 
rnated  by  refentmentj  then  every  tint  rufhes  from 
Its  fubcutaneous  reccfs,  aiid  gives  the  furface  of  the 
Jkin  a  deeper  ftain,  The  belly  is  of  a  palifh  blue, 
w^hich  grows  fuller  as  it  approaches  the  iides,  and 
is  at  length  intermij^ed  with  the  colour  of  the  upper 
part.  The  rattle  at  its  tail,  from  which  it  receives 
its  name,  is  compofed  of  a  firm,  dry,  calluos,  or 
horny  fubftance  of  a  light  brown,  and  confifts  of  a 
number  of  cells  which  articulate  one  within  another, 
Jike  joints  J  and  which  increafes  every  year,  and 
make  known  the  age  of  the  creature.  Thefe  arti- 
culations being  very  loofe,  the  included  points 
ftrike  againft  the  inner  furface  of  the  concave 
parts  or  rings  into  which  they  arc  admitted^  anct 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


5»9 


Green 


ars  to 
;  com- 
'ellow; 
as  the 
irds  of 
)dy,  ac 
jt  nine 
lecrea- 
c  neck 
I  broad 
colour, 
of  the 
id  che- 
black, 
n  fhort 
iutiful, 
a  va- 
rcmely 
their 
IS  ani- 
from 
I  of  the 
blue, 
[s,  and 
upper 
[ceives 
los,  Gi- 
ts of  a 
lother, 
and 
le  arti- 
Ipoints 
Incavc 
anci 


as  the  fnake  vibrates,   or  Ihakes   its   tail,  make  a 
rattling  noife.     This  alarm  is  always  given  when  ic 
is  apprchcnfive  of  danger  j    and  in  an  inftant  af- 
ter forms  itfelf  into  a  fpiral  wreath;  in  the  cen- 
tre of  which  appears  the  head  ere(5i:,  and  breath- 
ing forth  vengeance  again  either  man  or  bead  that 
(hall  dare  to  come  near  it.    In  this  attitude  he  awaits 
the  approach  of  his  enemies,    rattling  his  tail  as 
he  fees  or  hears  them  coming  on.  By  this  timely  inti- 
mation, which  heaven  feems  to  have  provided  as  a 
means  to  counteract  the  mifchief  this  venomous  rep- 
tile would   otherwife  be  the  perpetrator  of,  the  un- 
wary traveller  is  apprized  of  his  danger,  and  has  en 
opportunity  of  avoiding  it.     It  is  however  to  be  ob- 
ferved,    that  it  never  a6ls   ofFenfively  j  it  neither 
purfues  nor  flies  from  any  thing  that  approaches  it, 
but  lies  in  the  pofition  defcribedj  rattling  his  tail,  as 
if  relu6lant  to   hurt.     The   teeth  with  which   this 
ferpent  effeds  his  poifonous  purpofes  are  not  thofe 
he  makes  ufe  of  on  ordinary  occafions,  they  are  only 
tv/o  in  number,  Very  fmail  and  Iharp  pointed,  and 
fixed  in   a  finewy   fubftance  that  lies  near  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  upper  jaw,  refembling  the  claws  of  a 
cat}  at  the  root  of  each  of  thefe,  which  might  be 
extended,  contraded,    or  entirely  hidden,  as  need 
requires,  are  two  fmall  bladders   which  nature  has 
fo  conftruded,  that  at  the  fame  inftant  an  inciflon  is 
made  by  the  teeth,  a  drop  of  a  greenilh,  poifonous 
liquid  enters  the  wound,  and  taints  with  its  dcftruc- 
tive  quality  the  whole  mafs  of  blood.   In  a  moment 
the  unfortunate  vi<ftim  of  its  wrath  feels  a  chilly  tre- 
mor run  through  all  his  frame ;  a  fwcUing  immedi- 
ately begins  on  the  fpot  where  the  teeth  had  entered, 
which  fpreads  by  degrees  over  the  whole  body,  and 
produces  on  every  part  of  the  fkin  the  variegated 
hue  of  the  fnake.     The  bite  of  this  reptile  is  more 
or  lefs  venomous,  according  to  the  feafon  of  the 
year  in  which  it  is  given.     In  the  dog-days  it  often 


3M> 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


proves  inftantly  mortal,  and  efpecially  if  the  wound 
is  made  among  the  finews  fituated  in  the  back  part 
of  the"  leg,  above  the  heel  j  but  in  the  fpring,  in 
autumn,  or  during  a  cool  day  whic^h  ml?;ht  happen 
in  the  fummer,  its  bad  effeCls  arc  to  be  prevented 
by  the  immediate  application  of  proper  remedies ; 
and  thefe  Providence  has  bounteoufly  fupplied,  by 
caufing  the  Rattle  Snake  Plantain,  an  approved  an- 
tidote to  the  poifon  of  this  creature,  to  grow  in  great 
profufion  wherever  they  are  to  be  met  with.  There 
are  likcwife  feveral  other  remedies  befides  this,  for 
the  venom  of  its  bite.  A  decodtion  made  of  the 
buds  or  bark  of  the  white  afli,  taken  internally,  pre- 
vents its  pernicious  efTedts.  Salt  is  a  newly  difcc- 
vercd  remedy,  and  if  applied  immediately  to  the 
jjart,  or  the  wound  be  walhed  with  brine,  a  cure 
.might  be  aflured.  The  fat  of  the  reptile  alfo  rub- 
bed on  it  is  frequently  found  to  be  very  efficacious. 
But  thougli  the  lives  of  the  perfons  who  have  b^en 
bitten  might  be  preferved  by  thefe,  and  their  health 
in  fome  degree  reftored,  yet  they  annually  experi- 
ence a  flight  return  of  the  dreadful  fymptoms  about 
the  time  they  received  the  inftillation.  Plowever 
remarkable  it  may  appear,  it  is  certain,  that  though 
the  venom  of  this  creature  affefts,  in  a  greater  or 
lefs  degree,  all  animated  nature,  the  hog  is  an  ex- 
ception to  the  rule,  as  that  animal  will  readily  de- 
ftroy  them  without  dreading  their  poifonous  fangs, 
and  fatten  on  their  flefli.  It  has  been  often  obferved, 
and  I  can  confirm  the  obfervation,  that  the  Rattle 
Snake  is  charmed  with  any  harmonious  founds,  whe- 
ther vocal  or  inftrumental  J  I  have  many  times  {^cn 
them,  even  when  they  have  been  enraged,  place 
themfelves  in  a  liftening  pofture,  and  continue  im- 
movably attentive  and  fufceptible  of  delight  all  the 
time  the  mufic  has  lafted.  I  fliould  have  remarked, 
that  when  the  Rattle  Snake  bices,  it  drops  its  under 
jaw,  and  holding  the  upper  jaw  ered,  throv>s  itrdt' 


0,.- 


C  A  R  V  E  R*s    TRAVELS. 


3»i 


in  a  curve  line,  with  great  force,  and  as  quick  as 
lightning,  on  the  objcfi:  of  its  refentment.  In  a 
moment  after,  it  returns  again  to  its  defenfive  pof- 
ture,  having  difcngaged  its  teeth  from  the  wound 
with  great  celerity,  by  means  of  the  pofition  in 
which  it  had  placed  its  head  when  it  made  the  attack. 
It  never  extends  itfelf  to  a  greater  diftance  than  half 
its  length  will  reach,  and  though  it  fometimes  re- 
peats the  blow  two  or  three  times,  it  as  often  returns 
with  a  fudden  rebound  to  its  former  ftate.  The 
Black  Rattle  Snake  differs  in  no  other  refpedt  from 
the  Yellow,  than  in  being  rather  fmaller,  and  in  the 
variegation  of  its  colours,  which  arc  exadlly  reverfed: 
one  is  black  where  the  other  is  yellow,  and  vice 
verfa.  They  are  equally  venomous.  It  is  not  known 
how  thefc  creatures  engender  i  I  have  often  found 
the  eggs  of  feveral  other  fpecies  of  the  fnake,  but 
notwithftanding  no  one  has  taken  more  pains  to  ac- 
quire a  perfedt  knowledge  of  every  property  of  thefe 
reptiles  than  myfelf,  I  never  could  difcover  the 
manner  in  which  they  bring  forth  their  young.  I 
once  killed  a  female  that  had  feventy  young  ones  in 
its  belly,  but  thefe  were  perfedbly  formed,  and  I  faw 
them  juft  before  retire  to  the  mouth  of  their  mother 
as  a  place  of  fecurity,  on  my  approach.  The  galls 
of  the  ferpent,  mixed  with  chalk,  are  formed  into 
little  balls,  and  exported  from  America,  for  medical 
purpofes.  They  are  of  the  nature  of  Gafcoign's 
powders,  and  are  an  excellent  remedy  for  complaints 
incident  to  children.  The  flefh  of  the  fnake  alfo 
dried,  and  made  into  broth,  is  much  more  nutritive 
than  that  of  vipers,  and  very  efficacious  againft  con- 
lumptions. 

• 

^  The  LONG  BLACK  SNAKE  thefe  are  alfo  of 
two  forts,  both  of  which  are  exactly  fimilar  in  jfhape 
and  fizc,  only  the  belly  of  one  is  a  light  red,  the 

.     Sf 


■** 


3" 


C  A  R  V  E  R's     TRAVELS. 


other  a  faint  blue  j  all  the  uppia-  parts  of  their  bodies 
are  black  and  fcaly.  They  arc  in  general  from  fix 
to  eight  feet  in  length,  and  carry  their  heads,  as 
they  r.rawl  along,  about  a  foot  and  a  half  from  the 
ground.  They  cafily  climb  the  higheft  trees  in  pur- 
ftiit  of  birds  and  fquirrcls,  which  are  thetr  chief  food; 
and  thefe,  it  is  faid,  they  charm  by  their  looks,  and 
render  incapable  of  efcaping  from  them.  Their  ap- 
pearance carries  terror  with  it  to  thofe  who  are  un- 
acquainted with  their  inability  to  hurt,  but  they  arc 
pcrfeftly  inoffenfive  and  Vree  from  venom. 


The  STRIPED  or  GARTER  SNAKE  is  exaft- 
ly  the  fame  as  that  fpecies  found  in  other  cli- 
mates. 


The  WATER  SNAKE  is  much  like  the  Rattle 
Snake  in  fhape  and  fize,  but  is  not  endowed  with 
the  fame  vendmous  powers,  being  quite  harinlefs. 

The  HISSING  SNAKE  I  have  already  parti- 
cularly deferibed,  when  I  treated,  in  my  Journal,  of 
Lake  Eric. 

The  GREEN  SNAKE  is  about  a  foot  and  an 
half  long,  and  in  colour  foncar  to  grafs  and  herbs, 
that  it  cannot  be  difcovered  as  it  lies  on  the  ground; 
'happily,  however,  it  is  free  from  venom,  otherwifc 
it  would  do  an  infinite  dieal  of  mifchief,  as  thofe  who 
pafs  through  the  meadows,  not  being  able  to  per- 
ceive it,  are  deprived  of  the  power  of  avoiding 
it, 

*  The  THORN-TAIL  SNAKE.  This  reptile  is 
found  in  many  parts  of  America,  but  is  very  feldom 
to  be  feen.  It  is  of  a  middle  fize,  and  receives  its 
name  from  a  thorn-like  dart  in  its  tail,  with  which  it 
is  faid  to  inflict  a  mortal  wound,  * 


#■ 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


yn 


The  SPECKLED  SNAKE  is  an  aqueous  reptiles 
about  two  feet  and  an  half  in  length,  but  without 
venom.  Its  (kin,  which  is  brown  and  white,  with 
fome  fpots  of  yellow  in  it,  is  ufcd  by  the  Americans 
as  a  cover  for  the  handles  of  whips,  and  it  renders 
thcnci  very  pleafing  to  the  fight. 

The  RING  SNAKE  is  about  twelve  inches  lonff- 
the  body  of  it  is  entirely  black,  except  a  yellow  riog 
which  it  has  about  its  neck,  and  which  appears  like 
a  narrow  piece  of  riband  tied  around  it.  This  odd 
reptile  is  frequently  found  in  the  bark  of  trees,  and 
among  old  logs. 

The  TWO-FJEADED  SNAKE.  The  only 
fnakc  of  this  kind  that  was  ever  feen  in  America, 
was  found  about  the  year  1762,  near  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  by  Mr.  Park,  a  gentleman  of  New-England, 
and  made  a  prcfent  to  Lord  Amherfl.  It  wan  abouf 
a  foot  long,  and  in  fhape  like  the  commctrr  fnakc, 
but  it  was  furnifhed  with  two  heads  exaflly  fimilar, 
which  united  at  the  neck.  Whether  this  was  a 
diftinft  fpecies  of  fnakcs,  and  was  able  to  propagate* 
its  likcncfs,  or  whether  it  was  an  ;iccidcntal  for- 
mation, I  know  not. 

The  TORTOISE  or  LAND  TURTLE.  The 
fhape  of  this  creature  is  fo  well  known  that  it  is  un- 
neceflary  to  defcribe  it.  There  are  kvtn  or  eight 
forts  of  them  in  America,  fome  of  which  are  bednti- 
fully  variegated,  even  beyond  difcription.  The 
Ihells  of  marty  have  fpots  of  red  gre(  n,  and  yel- 
low in  them,  dnd  the  chequer  woric  is  compoled  of 
fmall  fquarcs  curioufly  difpof(!d,  Tlie  moit  btdu- 
tiful  fort  of  thefe  creatures  are  the  fmalleft^,  and" 
the  bite  of  them  is  faid  to  bt  vcnomoius. 


^^ 


314 


G  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


L I  Z  A  R  P  S,  ^f, 


Though  there  are  numerous  kinds  of  this  clafs  of 
the  animal  cre.ition,  in  the  country  I  tre?it  of,  I  ihall 
only  take  notice  of  two  of  them  i  which  arc  tcrmccl 
the  Swift  and  the  Slow  Lizard, 

The  SWIFT  LIZARD  is  about  fix  inches  long, 
and  has  four  legs  and  a  tail.  Its  body,  which  is  blue, 
is  prettily  Ilriped  with  dark  lines  Hiaded  with  yellow  j 
but  the  end  of  the  tail  is  totally  blue.  It  is  fo  re- 
markable agile,  that  in  an  inftant  it  is  out  of  fight, 
nor  can  its  m<jvement  be  perceived  by  the  quickeft 
eye  j  fo  that  it  might  more  juftly  be  faid  to  yanilh, 
than  to  run  iway.  This  fpecies  arc  fuppofed  to  poi- 
fon  thofc  they  bite,  but  are  not  d?ingerous,  as  they 
never  attack  p^rfons  that  approach  ♦'hem,  choofinc 
rather  to  get  luddenly  out  of  their  reach.     ' 

The  SLOW  LIZARD  is  of  the  fame  fli^pe  as 
the  Swift,  but  its  colour  is  brown  j  it  is  moreover  of 
an  oppofite  difpofition,  being  altogether  as  flow  in  its 
movements  as  the  other  is  fwift.  It  is  remarkable 
thatthcfe  lizards  are  extreme.^  brittle,  and  will  break 
off  near  the  tail  as  cafily  as  an  icicle. 

Among  the  reptiles  of  North  America,  there  is  ^ 
fpeciesofthe  toad,  termed  the  TREE  TOAD,  which 
is  nearly  the  fame  fhape  as  the  common  fort,  but 
fm.aUer  and  with  longer  claws.  It  is  ufually  found 
on  trees,  flicking  clofe  to  the  bark,  or  iying  in  the 
crevices  of  ic ;  and  fo  nearly  does  it  refemble  the 
colour  of  the  tree  to  which  it  cleaves,  that  it  is  with 
difficulty  diJlinguifhed  from  ic.  Thefe  creatures 
are  only  heard  during  the  twilight  of  the  morning  and 
evening,  or  iuft  before  and  after  a  Ihower  of  rain, 


CARVE  RS    TRAVELS. 


SM 


^vhcn  they  make  a  croaking  noife  fomewhat  (hriller 
than  thatof  afrog,  whichmightbc heard toagrcatdif- 
tance.  They  infcft  the  woods  in  fuch  numbers,  that 
their  refponfive  notes  at  thcfe  times  make  the  air 
refound.  It  is  only  a  fummer  animal  and  never  to 
be  found  during  the  wiiiterr 


INSECTS, 


The  interior  parts  of  North- America  abound  with 
pearly  the  fame  infefts  as  are  met  with  in  the  fame 
parallels  of  latitude  j  and  the  fpecies  of  them  arc  fo 
numerous  and  diverfified  that  even  a  fuccindl  difcrip- 
tion  of  the  whole  of  them  would  fill  a  volume ;  I  ft  all 
therefore  coi|«fine  myfclf  to  a  few,  which  I  believe  pre 
almoft  peculiar  to  this  country  j  the  Silk  Worm,  the 
Tobacco  Worm,  the  Bee,  the  Lightning  Bug,  the 
Water  Bug,  and  the  Horned  Bug. 

The  SILK  WORM  is  nearly  the  fame  as  thofe  of 
JPrance  and  Italy,  but  will  not  produce  the  fame  quan- 
tity of  filk. 

The  TOBACCOWORM  is  a  caterpillar  of  the 
fize  and  figure  of  a  filk  worm,  it  is  of  a  fine  fca  green 
colour,  on  its  rump  it  has  a  (ling  or  horn  near  a  quar- 
ter of  an  inch  long. 

The  bees  in  America  principally  lodge  their  honey 
in  the  earth,  to  fecure  it  from  the  ravages  of  the 
bears,  who  are  remarkablyfondof  it. 

The  LIGHTNING  BUG  or  FIRE  FLY  is  about 
the  fize  of  a  bee,  but  it  is  of  the  beetle  kind,  having 
like  that  infcft  two  pair  of  wings,  the  upper  of  which 
are  of  a  firm  texture,  to  defend  it  from  danger.  When 


Ml 


326 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


it  flics,  and  the  wings  arc  expanded,  there  is  under 
the fc  a  kind  of  coat,  conftru^tcd  alfo  like  wings, 
which  is  luminous;  and  as  the  infcft palTcs on, caulcs 
all  the  hinder  part  of  its  body  to  appear  like  a  bright 
fiery  coal.  Having  placed  one  of  them  on  your 
hand,  the  under  part  only  ftiines,  and  throws  the 
light  on  the  fpace  beneath}  but  as  foon  as  it  fprcads 
its  upper  wings  to  fly  away,  the  whole  body  which 
lies  behind  them  appears  illuminated  all  around. 
The  light  it  gives  is  not  conftantly  of  the  fame 
magnitude,  rvenwhen  it  fliesj  butfeemsto  depend 
on  the  expanfion  or  contradtion  of  the  luminous 
coat  or  wings,  and  is  very  different  from  that  emit- 
ted in  a  dark  night  by  dry  wood  or  fome  kinds  of 
fifli,  it  having  much  «nore  the  appearance  of  real 
fire.  They  feem  to  be  fenfible  of  the  power  they 
are  poflcfled  of,  and  to  know  the  moft  fuitable 
time  for  exerting  it,  as  in  a  very  dark  night  they 
are  much  more  numerous  than  at  any  other  time. 
They  are  only  feen  during  the  fummer  months  of 
June,  July,  and  Auguft,  and  then  at  no  other  time 
but  in  the  night.  Whether  from  their  colour,  which 
is  a  dufky  brown,  they  are  not  then  difccrnible,  or 
from  their  retiring  to  holes  and  crevices,  I  know 
not,  but  they  are  never  to  be  difcovered  in  the  day. 
They  chiefly  arc  feen  in  low,  fwampy  land,  and 
appear  like  innumerable  tranfient  gleams  of  light. 
In  dark  nights  when  there  is  much  lightning  with- 
out rain,  they  feem  as  if  they  v/ifhed  either  to  imi- 
tate or  aflTift  the  flalhes;  for  during  the  intervals, 
they  are  uncommonly  agile,  and  endeavour  to  throw 
out  every  ray  they  can  collcft.  Notwithftanding 
this  effulgent  appearance,  thefe  infedls  are  pfrfeclly 
harmlefs,  you  may  permit  them  to  crawl  upon  your 
hand,  when  five  or  fix,  if  they  freely  exhibit  their 
glow  together,  will  enable  you  to  read  almoft  the 
fmalleft  prin^. 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


327 


The  WATER  BUG  is  of  a  brown  colour,  about 
the  fize  of  a  pea,  and  in  fhape  nearly  oVal  i  it  has 
many  legs,  by  means  of  which  it  pafles  over  the 
furface  of  the  water  with  fuch  incredible  fwiftnefs, 
that  it  feems  to  Hide  or  dart  itfelf  along. 

The  HORNED  BUG,  or  as  it  is  fometimes 
termed  the  STAG  BEETLE,  is  of ^  dulky  brown 
colour  nearly  approaching  to  black,  about  an  inch  and 
an  half  long,  and  half  an  inch  broad.  It  has  two  large 
horns,  which  grow  on  each  fide  of  the  head,  and 
meet  horizontally,  and  with  thefe  it  pinches  very 
hardj  they  are  branched  like  thofe  of  a  flag,  from 
whence  it  receives  its  name.  They  fly  about  in 
the  evening,  and  prove  very  troublcfome  to  thofe 
who  are  in  the  fields  at  that  time. 

I  muft  not  omit  that  the  LOCUST  is  a  fepten- 
nial  infeft,  as  they  are  only  feen,  a  fmall  number 
of  ftragglers  excepted,  every  feven  years,  when 
they  infefl  thefc  parts  and  the  interior  colonics  in 
large  fwarms,  and  do  a  great  deal  of  mifchief.  The 
years  when  they  thus  arrive  arc  denominated  the 
locufl  years. 


3*8 


CARVER'S    T  R  A  V  E  t  & 


CHAPTER    XVi, 


* 


Of  the  TreeSj  Shrubs,  Roots,   Herbs,    Flowers,  &e. 


J[ SHALL  here  obferve  the  fame  method 
that  I  have  purfued  in  the  preceding  chapter,  and 
having  given  a  lift  of  the  trees,  &c.  which  are  na- 
tives of  lIic  interior  parts  of  North- America,  par- 
ticularize fuch  only  as  differ  from  the  produce  of 
other  countries,  or,  being  little  known,  have  not 
been  defcribcd. 


OF    TREES. 


The  Oak,  the  Pine  Tree,  the  Maple,  the  Afli, 
the  Hemlock,  the  Bafs  or  White  Wood,  the 
Cedar,  the  Elm,  the  Birch,  the  Fir,  the  Locuft 
Tree,  the  Poplar,  the  Wickopick  or  Suckwick, 
the  Spnce,  the  Horn-beam,  and  the  Button  Wood 
Tree. 

The  OAK.  There  are  feveral  forts  of  oaks  in 
thefe  parts  i  the  black,  the  white,  the  red,  the 
yelloWi  the  grey,  the  fwamp  oak,  and  the  chefnut 
oak:  the  five  former  vary  but  little  in  their  external 
appearance^  the  ihape  of  the  kavcs,  and  the  colour 


CARVER'S    T  R  A   /  E  L  3. 


i-9 


of  the  bark  being  fo  much  alike,  that  they  are 
Tcarcely  didinguilhablej  but  the  body  of  the  tree 
when  fawed  difeovers  the  variation,  which  chiefly 
confifts  in  the  colour  of  the  wood,  they  being  all 
Very  hardj  and  proper  for  building.  The  fwamp 
oak  differs  materially  from  the  others  both  in  the 
lliape  of  the  leaf,  which  is  fmallet,  and  in  the  bark, 
which  is  fmootheri  and  likewife  as  it  grows  only  in 
a  moift,  gravelly  foil.  It  is  efteemed  the  touglicH: 
of  all  woods,  being  (6  ftrong  yet  pliable,  that  it  is 
often  made  ufe  of  inftead  of  whalebone,  and  is 
equally  ferviceable.  The  chefnut  oak  alfo  is  greatly 
different  from  the  others,  particularly  in  the  (hapt; 
of  the  leaf,  which  much  refembles  that  of  the  chei- 
nut-tree,  and  for  this  reafon  it  is  fo  denominated. 
It  is  neither  fo  ftrong  as  the  former  fpecies,  nor  fo 
tough  as  the  latter,  but  is  of  a  nature  proper  to  be 
fplit  into  rails  for  fences,  in  which  ftate  it  will  endure 
a  confiderable  time. 

The  PINE  TREE.  That  fpecies  of  the  pine 
tree  peculiar  to  this  part  of  the  continent  is  the 
white,  the  quality  of  which  I  need  not  defcribe,  as 
the  timber  of  it  is  fo  well  known  under  the  name  of 
deals.  It  grows  here  in  great  plenty,  to  an  amazing 
height  and  fize,  and  yields  an  excellent  turpentine, 
though  not  in  fuch  quantities  as  thofc  in  the  nor- 
thern parts  ofEuropc. 

The  MAPLE.  Of  this  tree  there  are  two  forts, 
the  hard  and  the  foft,  both  of  which  yield  a  lufcious 
juice,  from  which  the  Indians,  by  boiling,  make 
very  good  fugar.  The  fap  of  the  former  is  much 
richer  and  fweeter  than  the  latter,  but  the  foft  pro- 
duces a  greater  quantity.  The  wood  of  the  hard 
maple  is  very  beautifully  veined  and  curled,  and 
when  wrought  into  cabinets,  tat>les,  gunllock?,  &:c. 

Tt 


33® 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


is  greatly  valued.  That  of  the  foft  fort  differs  in 
its  texture,  wanting  the  variegated  grain  of  the 
hard;  it  alfo  grows  more  llraight  and  free  from 
branches,  and  is  more  cafily  fplit.  It  likewife  may 
be  diftinguiihed  from  the  h  .rd,  as  this  grows  in 
meadows  and  low-lands,  t'.at  on  the  hills  and  up- 
lands. The  leaves  are  fliaped  alike,  but  thofc  of 
the  feft  maple  are  much  the  largeft,  and  of  a  deeper 
green. 

The  ASH.  There  are  fever al  forts  of  this  tree 
in  thefe  parts,  but  that  to  which  I  fliall  confine  my 
defcription,  is  the  yellow  a(h,  which  is  only  found 
near  the  head  branches  of  the  Miffiflippi.  This 
tree  grows  to  an  amazing  height,  and  the  body  of 
it  is  fo  firm  and  found,  that  the  French  traders  who 
go  into  that  country  from  Louifiana,  to  purchafe 
furs,  make  of  them  periaguaysj  this  they  do  by 
excavating  them  by  fire,  and  when  they  are  com- 
pleted, convey  in  them  the  produce  of  their  trade 
to  New^Orleans,  where  they  find  a  good  market 
both  for  their  veflels  and  cargoes*  The  wood  of 
this  tree  greatly  refembles  that  of  the  common  alh ; 
but  it  might  be  diftinguiihed  from  any  other  tree 
by  its  barki  the  rofs  or  outfide  bark  being  near 
eight  inches  thick,  and  indented  with  furrows  more 
than  fix  inches  deep,  which  make  thofe  that  arc 
arrived  to  a  great  bulk  appear  uncommonly  rough} 
and  by  this  peculiarity  they  may  be  readily  known. 
The  rind  or  infide  bark  is  of  the  fame  thicknefs  as 
that  of  other  trees,  but  its  colour  is  a  fine  bright 
yellow,  info  much  that  if  it  is  but  (lightly  handled 
it  will  leave  a  ftain  on  the  fingers,  which  cannot 
eafily  be  wa(hed  away;  and  if  in  the  fpring  you  peel 
off  the  bark,  and  touch  the  fap,  which  then  rifes 
between  that  and  the  body  of  the  tree,  it  will  leave  fo 
deep  a  tin6lure  that  it  will  require  three  or  four  days 
to  wear   it  off.     Many  ufeiul  qualities  belonging 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


*3» 


to  this  tree  I  doubt  not  will  be  difcovered  in 
time,  befidcs  its  proving  a  valuable  acquifition  to 
the  dyer. 

The  HEMLOCK  TREE  grows  in  every  part 
of  America,  in  a  greater  or  lefs  degree.  It  is  an 
ever-green  of  a  very  large  growth,  and  has  leaves 
fomewhac  like  that  of  the  yewi  it  is  however  quite 
ufelefs,  and  only  an  incumbrance  to  the  ground, 
the  wood  being  of  a  very  coarfe  grain,  and  full  of 
wind-(hakes  or  cracks. 

The  BASS  or  WHITE  WOOD  is  a  tree  of  a 
middling  fize,  and  the  whiteft  and  fofteft  wood 
that  grows  j  when  quite  dry  it  fwims  on  the  water 
like  a  corkj  in  the  fettle ments  the  turners  make  of 
it  bowls,  trenchers,  anddifhes,  which  wear  fmooth, 
and  will  lad  a  long  time;  but  when  applied  to  any 
other  purpofe  it  is  far  from  durable. 

The  WICKOPICK  or  SUCKWICK  appears  to 
be  afpecies  of  the  white  wood,  and  is  diftinguifhed 
from  it  by  a  peculiar  quality  in  the  bark,  which 
when  pounded,  and  moiftened  with  a  little  water, 
inftantly  becomes  a  matter  of  the  confiftence  and 
nature  of  fize.  With  this  the  Indians  pay  their 
canoes,  and  it  greatly  exceeds  pitch,  or  any 
other  material  ufually  appropriated  to  that  pur- 
pofe j  for  befides  its  adhefive  quality,  it  is  of  fo 
oily  a  nature,  that  the  water  cannot  penerate  through 
it,  and  its  repelling  power  abates  not  for  a  confide^ 
rable  time. 

The  BUTTON  WOOD  is  a  tree  of  the  largeft 
fize,  and  might  be  diilinguillied  by  its  bark,  which 
is  quite  fmooth  and  prettily  mottled.  The  wood, is 
very  proper  for  the  ufe  of  cabinet-makers.  It  is 
covered  with  fmaU  hard  burs,  which  fpring  (yaw 


33* 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


its  branches,  that  appear  not  unlike  buttons,  and 
from  thele  I  believe  it  receives  its  name. 


NUT     TREES. 


The  Butter  Oir  Oil  Nut,  the  Walnut,  the  Hazel 
Nut,  the  Beech  Nut,  the  Pecan  Nut,  the  Chefnut, 
the  Hickory. 

The  BUTTER  or  OIL  NUT.  As  no  men- 
tion has  beep  ipade  by  any  authors  of  this  nut,  I 
IhaU  be  the  more  particular  in  my  account  of  it. 
The  tree  grows  in  meadows  where  the  foil  is  rich 
and  warm.  The  body  of  it  feldom  exceeds  a  yard 
in  circuniference,  is  full  of  branches,  the  twigs  of 
wiiiv'h  are  Ihort  and  blunt,  and  its  leaves  refemble 
thofe  of  the  walnut.  The  nut  has  a  fliell  like  that 
fruit,  which  when  ripe  is  more  furrowed,  and  more 
eafily  cracked  j  it  is  alfo  much  longer  and  larger 
than  a  walnut;,  and  contains  a  greater  quantity  of 
kern^'l,  which  is  very  oi^y,  and  of  a  rich,  agreeable 
flavor.  I  arp  perf^aded  that  a  much  purer  oil  than 
that  of  olives  might,  l:;e  extraded  from  this  nut. 
The  infide  bark  ofthis  tree  dyes  a  good  purple  j  and 
it  is  faid,  varies  i^  its  fhade,  being  either  darker  or 
lighter,  according  to  the  month  in  which  it  is  ga- 
thered. 

The  BEECH  NUT.  Though  this  tree  grows 
exactly  like  that  of  the  fame  name  in  Europe,  yet 
it  produces  nuts  equally  as  good  as  chefnuts  j  on 
which  bears,  martens,  fqirrels,  partridges,  turkeys, 
and  many  other  beaft  and  birds  feed.  The  nut  is 
contained,  whilft  growing,  in  an  outfide  cafe,  like 
that  of  a  chefnut,  but  not  lb  prickly  j  and  the  coat 
vf  the  infide  fliell  is  alfo  fmooth  like  that  j  only  it*; 


CARVE  R^    TRAVELS. 


33  J 


form  IS  nearly  triangular.  Vaft  quantities  of  them 
He  fcattered  about  in  the  woods,  and  fupply  with 
food  great  numbers  of  the  creatures  juft  mentioned. 
The  leaves,  which  are  white,  continue  on  the  trees 
during  the  whole  winter.  A  decoftion  made  of  them 
is  a  certain  and  expeditious  cure  for  wounds  which 
arife  from  burning  or  fcalding,  as  well  as  a  reftorative 
for  thofe  members  that  are  nipped  by  the  froft. 

The  PECAN  NUT  is  fomewhat  of  the  walnut 
kind,  but  rather  fmaller  than  a  walnut,  being  about 
the  fize  of  a  middling  acorn,  and  of  an  oval  form ; 
the  fhell  is  eafily  cracked,  and  the  kernel  fhaped  like 
that  of  a  walnut.  This  tree  grows  chiefly  near  the 
Illinois  River. 

The  HICKORY  is  alfo  of  the  walnut  kind,  and 
bears  a  fruit  nearly  like  that  tree.  There  are  feveral 
forts  of  them,  which  vary  only  in  the  colour  of  the 
wood.  Being  of  a  very  tough  nature,  the  wood  is 
generally  ufcd  for  the  handles  of  axes,  &fi.  It  is 
alfo  very  good  fire -wood,  and  as  it  burns,  an  excel- 
lent ifugar  dlftils  from  it. 


FRUIT     TREES. 

I  need  not  to  obfervc  that  thefe  are  all  the  fpon- 
taneous  produdlions  of  nature,  which  have  never 
received  the  advantages  of  ingrafting,  tranfplanting, 
or  manuring. 

The  Vine,  the  Mulberry  Tree,  the  Crab  Apple 
Tree,  the  Plum  T^ec,  th?  Cherry  Tree,  and  the 
Sweet  Gum  Tree. 


•4(V_ 


334 


CARVER'S     TRAVELS. 


The  VINE  is  very  common  here,  and  of  three 
kinds ;  the  firft  ion  hardly  deferves  the  name  of  a 
grape;  the  fecond  much  refembles  the  Burgundy 
grape,  and  if  cxpofed  to  the  fun,  a  good  wine  might 
be  made  from  them.  The  third  fort  refembles,  Zant 
currants,  which  are  fo  frequently  ufed  in  cakes,  &c. 
in  England,  and  if  proper  care  was  taken  of  them, 
would  be  equal,  if  not  fuperior,  to  thofe  of  that 
country. 

The  MULBERRY  TREE  is  of  two  kinds, 
red  and  white,  and  nearly  of  the  fame  fize  of  thofe 
of  France  and  Italy,  and  grow  in  fuch  plenty,  as  to 
feed  any  quantity  of  filk  worms. 

The  CRAB  APPLE  TREE  bears  a  fruit  that 
is  much  larger  and  better  flavored  than  thbfe  of  Eu- 
rope. 

The  PLUM  TREE.  There  are  two  forts  of 
plums  in  this  country,  one  a  large  fort  of  a  purple 
call  on  one  fide,  and  red  on  the  revcrfe,  the  fecond 
totally  green,  and  much  fmaller.  Both  thefe  are  of 
a  good  flavor,  and  are  greatly  efteemed  by  the  Indi- 
ans, whofe  tafte  is  not  refined,  but  who  are  fatisfied 
with  the  produdtions  of  nature  in  their  unimproved 
ft  ate. 

The  CHERRY  TREE.  There  are  three  forts 
of  cherries  in  this  country ;  the  black,  the  red,  and 
the  fand  cherry  j  the  two  latter  may  with  more  pro- 
priety be  ranked  among  the  fhrubs,  as  the  bufh  that 
bears  the  fand  cherries  almofl  creeps  along  the 
ground,  and  the  other  rifes  not  above  eight  or  ten 
feet  in  height }  however  I  fhall  give  an  account  of 
them  all  in  this  place.  The  bljfck  cherries  arc  about 
the  fize  of  a  currant,  and  hang  in  clufters  like  grapes; 
the  trees  which  bear  them  being  very  fruitful,  they 
are  generally  loaded,  but  the  fruit  is  not  good  to 


CARVE  R's      TRAVELS. 


335 


Cat,  hov  ever  they  give  an  agreeable  flavor  to  brandy, 
and  turn  it  to  the  colour  ot  claret.  The  red  cherries 
grow  in  the  gnaLeil  profufion,  and  hang  in  bunches, 
like  the  black  fcrt  juft  defcribed  j  fo  that  the  bulhes 
which  bear  them  appear  at  a  diftance  like  folid  bo- 
dies of  red  matter.  Some  people  admire  this  fruit, 
but  they  partake  of  the  nature  and  tafte  of  allum, 
leaving  a  difagreeable  roughiiefs  in  the  threat,  and 
being  very  aftringent.  As  I  i.ave:  already  defcribed 
the  fand  ch«  rries,  which  greatly  exceed  the  two 
other  forts,  both  in  flavor  and  fize,  I  fhall  give  no 
further  defcription  of  them.  The  wood  of  rhe  black 
cherry  tree  is  very  ufeful,  and  works  well  into  cabi- 
net ware. 

The  SWEET  GUM  TREE  or  LIQUID  AM- 
BER, (Ccpalm)  is  not  only  extremly  common, 
but  it  affords  a  balm,  the  virtues  of  which  are  infi- 
rjite.  Its  bark  is  black  and  hard,  and  its  wood  fo 
tender  and  fupple,  that  when  the  tree  is  felled,  you 
may  draw  from  the  middle  of  it  rods  of  five  or  fix 
feet  in  It  ngth.  It  cannot  be  employed  in  building  or 
furniture,  as  it  warps  continually.  Its  leaf  is  indented 
with  five  points,  like  a  ftar.  This  balm  is  reckoned 
by  the  Indians  to  be  an  excellent  febrifuge,  and  it 
cures  wounds  in  two  or  three  days. 


SHRUBS. 


The  Willow,  Shin  Wood,  Shumack,  SafTafras,  the 
Prickly  Alh,  Moofe  Wood,  Spoon  Wood, Large  El- 
der, Dwarf  Elder,  Poifonous  Elder,  Juniper,  Shrub 
Oak,  Sweet  Fern,  the  Laurel,  the  Witch  Hazle, 
the  Myrtle  Wax  Tree,  Winter  Green,  the  Fever 
Buih,  the   Cranberry  Bufh,    the   Goofberry  Bufh, 


33^ 


CARVER 'J    TRAVELS: 


the  Current  Bulli,    the  Whortle  Berry,    the  Rai'- 
berry,  the  Black  Berry,  and  the  Choak  Berry. 

The  WILLOW.  There  are  feveral  fpccies  of 
the  w'Mow,  the  mod  remarkable  of  which  >s  a  fmall 
fort  that  grows  en  the  banks  of  the  Mifliflippi,  and 
fomc  other  places  adjacent.  The  bark  of  this  Ihrub 
fupplies  the  beaver  with  its  winter  food;  and  where 
the  water  has  waflied  the  foil  from  us  roots,  they 
appear  to  confift  of  fibres  interwoven  together  like 
thread,  the  colour  of  which  is  of  an  inexpreflibly 
fine  fcarlet;  with  this  Se  Ir  '  ms  tinge  many  of  the 
ornamental  parts  of  the^  drviH 

SHIN  WOOD.  This  cxtrau '''nary  fhrub  grows 
in  the  forcfts,  and  tifing  like  a  vine,  runs  near  the 
ground  for  fix  or  eight  feet,  and  then  takes  root 
again}  in  the  fame  manner  taking  root,  and  fpring- 
ing  up  fucceflively,  one  ftalk  covers  a  large  fpace; 
this  proves  very  troublefome  to  the  hafty  traveller, 
by  ftriking  againft  his  Ihins,  and  entangling  his 
legs;  from  which  it  has  acquired  its  name. 

The  SASSAFRAS  is  a  wood  well  known  for  its 
medicinal  qualities.  It  might  with  equal  propriety 
be  termed  a  tree  as  a  Ihrub,  as  it  fometimes  grows 
thirty  feet  high;  but  in  general  it  does  not  reach 
higher  than  thofe  of  the  Ihrub  kind.  The  leaves, 
which  yield  an  agreeable  fragrance,  are  large,  and 
nearly  feparated  into  three  divifions.  It  bears  a 
reddilh  brown  berry,  of  the  ftze  and  (hape  of  Pi- 
inento,  and  which  is  fometimes  ufed  in  the  colonies 
as  a  fubftitute  for  that  fpice.  The  bark  or  roots 
of  this  tree  is  infinitely  fuperior  to  the  wood  for  its 
ufe  in  medicine,  and  I  am  furprifed  it  is  fo  feldom 
to  be  met  with,  as  its  efficacy  iii  fo  much  greater. 


C  A  R  V  F  R's    T  k  A  V  fi  L  S.  337 

'The  PRICKLY  ASH  is  a  fhrub  that  fometimes 
grows  to  the  height  of  ten  or  fifteen  feet,  and  has 
i  leaf  exactly  refembling  that  of  an  afh,  but  it  re- 
ceives the  epithet  to  its  name  from  the  abundance 
oflhort  thorns  with  which  every  branch  is  covered, 
^nd  which  renders  it  very  troUblcfpme  td  thofc  who 
pafs  through  the  fpot  where  they  grow  thick.  It 
alfo  bears  a  fcarlet  berry,  which  when  ripe,  has  a 
fiery  tafte,  like  pepper.  The  bark  of  this  ti'ee, 
particularly  the  bark  of  the  roots,  is  highly  ef- 
teemed  by  the  natives  fot  its  medicinal  qualities.  I 
have  already  mentioned  one  inftancc  01  its  efficacy, 
and  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  decoftionofit  will 
expeditioufly  and  radically  remove  all  impurities  of' 
the  bloodi 

The  MOOS^  WOOD  grows  about  four  feet  high, 
and  is  very  fill  of  branches;  but  what  renders  ic 
worth  notice  is  its  bark,  which  is  of  fo  flrong  and 
pliable  a  texture,  that  being  peeled  off  at  any  fea- 
fon,  and  twifted,  makes  equally  as  good  cordage! 
as  hemp. 

The  SPOON  WOOD  is  a  fpecies  of  the  laurel, 
and  the  wood  when  fawed  reiembles  box  wood. 


The  ELDER,  commonly  termed  the  poifonous  el» 
clerj  nearly  refembles  the  other  forts  in  its  leaves 
and  branches,  but  it  groWs  much  ftraighter,  and  is 
only  found  in  fwamps  and  moift  foils.  This  fhrub 
is  endowed  with  a  very  extraordinary  quality,  that 
renders  it  poifonous  to  fome  conftitutions,  which 
it  affedls  if  the  perfon  only  approaches  within  a  few 
yards  of  it,  whilll  others  may  even  chew  the  leavesr 
or  the  rind  without  receiving  the  lead  detriment  frorni 
them;  the  poifon  however  is  not  mortal,  though  12 
operates  very  violently  on  the  infcfted  perfon,  whofe 

U  u 


33B 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


body  and  head  fwell  to  an  amazing  fize,  and  arc 
covered  with  eruptions,  that  at  their  height  refem- 
blc  the  confliitnt  fmall  pox.  As  it  grows  alfo  in 
many  oftlie  provinces,  the  inhabitants  cure  its  ve- 
nom by  drinking  faffron  tea,  and  anointing  the 
external  parts  with  a  mixture  compofed  of  cream 
and  marfh  mallows. 

The  SHRUB  OAK  is  exactly  fimilar  to  the  oak 
tree,  both  in  its  wood  and  leaves,  and  like  that  it 
bears  an  acorn,  but  it  never  rifes  from  the  ground 
above  four  or  five  feet,  growing  crooked  and  knotty. 
It  is  found  chiefly  on  a  dry,  gravelly  foil. 


The  WITCH  HAZLE  grows  very  bufliy,. 
about  ten  feet  high,  and  is  covered  early  in  May 
with  numerous  white  blofifoms.  When  this  flirub 
IS  in  bloom,  the  Indians  efteem  it  a  further  indica- 
tion that  the  froft  is  entirely  gone,  and  that  they 
might  few  their  corn.  It  has  been  faid,  that  it  is 
pofleflcd  of  the  power  of  attracting  gold  and  filver,, 
and  that  twigs  of  it  are  made  ufe  of  to  difcover 
where  the  veins  of  thefe  metals  lie  hid;  but  I  am 
apprehcnfive  that  this  is  only  a  fallacious  ftory,  and 
not  to  be  depended  on  j  however  that  fuppofition  has 
given  it  the  name  of  Witch  Hazle. 

The  MYRTLE  WAX  TREE  is  a&rub  about 
four  or  five  feet  high,  the  leaves  of  which  are  larger 
than  thofe  of  the  common  myrtle,  but  they  fmell 
€xa6tly  alike.  It  bears  its  fruit  in  bunches,  like  a 
nofegay,  rifing  from  the  fame  place  in  various  ftalksv 
abort  two  inches  long:  at  the  end  of  each  of  thefe 
is  a  little  nut  containing  a  kernel,  which  is  wholly 
covered  with  a  giuy  fubftance,  which  being  boiled 
in  water,  fv/imsonthe  furfaceofit,  and  becomes  a. 
kind  of  green  wax;  this  is  mere  valuable  than  bees- 
wax,   being  of  a  more  brittle  nature,  but  mixed 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


339 


•wkti  it  makes  a  good  candle,  which,  as  it  b     ns, 
fends  forth  an  agreeable  fcent. 

WINTER  GREEN.  This  Is  an  ever  green,  of 
the  fpecics  of  the  myrtle,  and  is  found  on  dry  heaths; 
the  flowers  of  it  are  white,  and  in  the  form  of  a  roib, 
but  not  larger  than  a  filver  penny;  in  the  winter  it 
is  full  of  red  berries,  about  the  fize  of  a  floe,  which 
arc  fmooth  and  round  j  thefe  are  prefcrved  during 
the  fevere  feafon  by  the  fnow,  and  are  at  that  time 
in  the  highcft  perfedtion.  The  Indians  eat  thefe 
berries,  efteemingtliem  very  balfamic,  and  invigo- 
rating to  the  ftomach.  The  people  inhabiting  the 
interior  colonies  {Icep  both  the  fprigs  and  berries 
in  beer,  and  ufe  it  as  a  diet  drink  for  x;lednfing  the 
Jblood  from  fcorbutic  difordcrs. 

The  FEVER  BUSH  grows  about  fiye  or  fix 
feet  high  i  its  leaf  is  like  that  of  a  lilach  and  it 
bears  a  reddilh  berry  of  a  fpicy  flavor.  The  llalks 
of  it  are  excefli\^ely  brittle.  A  deco6tion  of  the 
buds  or  wood  is  an  excellent  febrifuge,  and  from 
this  valuable  property  it  receives  its  name.  It  is 
an  ancient  Indian  remedy  for  all  inflammatory  com- 
plaints, and  likewife  much  efteemed  on  the  fame 
account,  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  interior  parts  of 
the  colonies. 

The  CRANBERRY  BUSH.  Though  the  fruit 
of  this  bufh  greatly  refemblesin  fize  and  appearanee 
that  of  the  common  fort,  which  grows  on  a  fmall 
vine,  in  moraflTes  and  bogs,  yet  the  bufh  runs  to 
the  height  of  ten  or  twelve  feet;  but  it  is  very 
rarely  to  be  met  with.  As  the  meadow  cranberry, 
being  of  a  local  growth,  and  flourifhing  only  in 
morafles,  cannot  be  tranfplanted  or  cultivated,  the 
former,  if  removed  at  a  proper  feafon,  would  be  ^ 


J4» 


CARVPR'a    TRAVEL^. 


valuable  acquifition  to  the  garden,  and  with  propcf 
nurture  prove  equally  as  good,  it*  not  better. 

The  CHOAK  BERRY.  The  fhrub  thus  term- 
ed by  the  natives  grows  about  five  or  fix  feet  high, 
and  bears  a  berry  about  the  fizc  of  a  floe,  of  a  jet 
black,  which  contains  feveral  fmall  feeds  within  the 
pulp.  The  juice  of  this  fruit,  though  not  of  a  dif- 
agrceable  flavor,  is  extremely  tart,  and  leaves  ^ 
roughnefs  in  the  mouth  and  throat  when  eaten,  that 
has  gained  it  the  name  of  choak  berry. 


ROOTS     AND     PLANTS. 

Elecampagne,  Spikenard,  Angelica,  Sarfapa- 
rilla,  Ginfang,  Ground  Niits,  \Vild  Potatoes,  Li- 
quorice, Snake  Root,  Gold  Thread,  Solomon's 
Seal,  Devil's  Bite,  Blood  Root,  Onions,  Garlick, 
"Wild  Parfnips,  Mandrakes,  Hellebore  White  and 
Black. 

SPIKENARD,  vulgarly  called  in  the  colonies 
Petty- Morrel.  This  plant  appears  to  be  cxadtly 
the  fame  as  the  Afiatic  fpikenard,  fo  much  valued 
by  the  ancients.  It  grows  near  the  fides  of  brooks, 
in  rocky  places,  and  its  fl:em,  which  is  about  the 
fize  of  a  goofe  quill,  fprings  up  like  that  of  angelica, 
reaching  aboufa  foot  and  an  half  from  the  ground. 
It  bears  bunches  of  berries  in  all  re^pc^s  like  thofe 
of  the  elder,  only  rather  larger.  I'hefe  are  of  fuch 
a  balfamic  nature,  that  when  infufed  in  fpirits,  they 
make  a  moft  palatable  and  reviving  cordial.  '  '  ' 

SARSAPARILLA.  The  root  of  this  plant, 
which  is  the  mofl:eftimable  part  of  it,  is  about  the 
fize  of  a  goofe  quill,  and  runs  in  different  direftion?. 


\... 


CARVER'*    TRAVELS. 


h; 


twined  and  crooked  to  a  great  length  in  the  ground  ^ 
from  the  principal  ftem  of  it  fpring  many  fmaller 
fibres,  a)l  of  which  are  tough  and  flexible.  From 
tb*:  root  immediately  (hoots  a  ftalk  about  a  foot  and 
an  half  long,  which  at  the  top  branches  into  three 
ftemsj  each  of  thefe  has  three  leaves,  much  of  the 
ihape  and  fize  of  a  walnut  leaf;  and  from  the  fork 
of  each  of  the  three  ftems  grows  fi  bunch  of  bluifh 
white  flowers,  refcmbling  thofe  of  the  fpikenard. 
The  bafk  of  the  roots,  which  alone  lliould  be  ufed 
In  medicine,  is  of  a  bitterifli  flavor,  but  aromatic. 
It  is  dcfervcdly  efteemcd  for  its  medicinal  virtues, 
being  a  gentle  fudorific,  and  very  powerful  in  at- 
tenuating the  blood  when  impeded  by  grofs  hu- 
mors. 


GINSANG  is  a  root  that  was  once  fuppofed  to 
grow  only  in  Korea,  from  whence  it  was  ufually 
exported  to  Japan,  and  by  that  means  found  its 
way  to  Europe :  but  is  has  been  lately  difcovered 
to  be  alfo  a  native  of  North-America,  where  it 
grows  to  as  great  perfe<5lion,  and  is  equally  valua- 
ble. Its  root  is  like  a  fmall  carrot,  but  not  fo  taper 
at  the  end  j  it  is  fometimes  divided  into  two  or  more 
branches,  in  all  other  refpefts  it  refemblcs  ferfapa- 
r'illa  in  its  growth.  The  tafte  of  the  root  is  bitter- 
ifli. In  the  eaft:ern  parts  of  Afia  it  bears  a  great 
price,  bein^  there  confiderpd  as  a  panacea,  and  is 
the  laft:  refuge  of  the  inhabitants  in  all  diforders. 
When  chewed  it  certainly  is  a  great  ftrengthener  of 
fhe  ftomach. 

GOLD  THREAD.  This  is  a  plant  of  the  Imall 
vine  kind,  which  grows  in  fwampy  places,  and  li.es 
on  the  ground.  The  roots  fpread  themfelves  jufl: 
under  thefurface  of  the  morafs,  and  are  eafily  drawn 
up  by  handfuls.  They  rcfemble  a  large  entangled 
ikein  of  thread,  of  a  fine,  bright  gold  colour;  and  I 


342 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


am  perfiiaded  would  yield  a  beautiful  and  permanent 
yellow  dye.  It  is  alfo  greatly  efteemed  both  by  the 
Indians  and  colonifts,  as  a  remedy  for  any  forenefs 
in  the  mouth,  but  the  tafte  of  it  is  exquifitely  bit- 


ter. 


SOLOMON'S  SEAL  is  a  plant  that  grows  on  the 
fides  of  rivers,  and  in  rich  meadow  land.  It  rifes 
in  the  whole  to  about  three  (cet  high,  the  ftalks  be- 
ing two  feet,  when  the  leaves  begin  to  fpread  them- 
felves  and  reach  a  foot  further.  A  part  in  every 
root  has  an  impreflion  upon  it  about  the  fize  of  a 
lixpencc,  which  appears  as  if  it  was  made  by  a  feal, 
and  from  thcfe  it  receives  its  name.  It  is  greatly  va- 
lued on  account  of  its  being  a  fine  purifier  of  the 
blood. 

DEVIL'S  BITE  is  another  wild  plant,  which 
grows  in  the  fields,  and  receives  its  name  from  ^ 
print  that  feems  to  be  made  by  teeth  in  the  roots. 
The  Indians  fay  that  this  was  once  an  univerfal  re- 
medy for  every  diforder  that  human  nature  is  inci- 
dent tOj  but  fome  of  the  evil  fpirits  envying  man- 
kind the  pofleflion  of  fp  efficacious  a  medicine,  gave 
the  root  a  bite,  which  deprived  it  of  a  great  pare  of 
its  virtue. 


BLOOD  ROOT.  A  fort  of  plantain  that  fprings 
our  of  the  ground  in  fix  or  feven  long,  rough  leaves, 
the  viens  of  which  are  red  -,  the  root  of  it  is  like  a 
fmall  carrot,  both  in  colour  aad  appearance  -,  when 
broken,  the  infide  of  it  is  of  a  deeper  colour  than  the 
outfid',  and  diftils  feveral  drops  of  juice  that  look 
like  blood.     This  L  a  ftrong  emetic,  but  a  very  dan- 


gerous one. 


CARVER'S      TRAVELS. 


34S 


HERBS. 

Balm,  Nettles,  Cinque  Foil,  Eyebright,  panicle. 
Plantain,  Rartle  Snake  Plantain,  Poor  Robin's 
Plantain,  Toad  Plantain,  Maiden  Hair,  WM  Dock, 
Rock  Liverwort,  Noble  Liverwort,  Bloodwort, 
Wild  Beans,  Ground  Ivy,  Watcjr  Creffes,  Yarrow, 
May  Weed,  Gargit,  Skunk  Cabbage  or  Poke, 
Wake  Robin,  Betony,  Scabious,  Mullen,  Wild 
Peafe,  Moufe  Ear,  Wild  Indigo,  Tobacco,  and 
Cat  Mint. 

SANICLE  has  a  root  which  is  thick  towards  the 
upper  part,  and  full  of  fmall  fibres  below;  the 
leaves  of  it  are  broad,  rcundifh,  hard,  fmooth, 
and  of  a  fine  fiiining  green  -,  a  ftalk  rifes  from  thefc 
two  to  the  height  of  a  foot,  which  is  quite  fmooth 
and  free  from  knots,  and  on  the  top  of  it  are  feveral 
fmall  flowers  of  a  reddifh  white,  fhaped  like  a 
wild  rofe.  A  tea  made  of  the  root  is  vulnerary  and 
balfamic. 


RATTLE  SNAKE  PLANTAIN.  This  ufe- 
ful  herb  is  of  the  plantain  kind,  aad  its  leaves, 
which  fpread  themfelves  on  the  ground,  are  abouc 
one  inch  and  an  half  wide,  and  five  inches  long; 
from  the  centre  of  thefe  arifcs  a  fmall  ftalk,  nearly 
fix  inches  long,  which  bears  a  little  white  flower; 
the  root  is  about  the  ijze  ofagoofe  quill,  and  much 
bent  and  divided  into  feveral  branches.  The  leaves 
of  this  herb  are  ^ncre  efficacious  than  any  other  part 
of  it  for  the  bite  of  the  reptile  from  which  it  receives 
its  name;  and  being  chewed  and  applied  immediately 
to  the  wound,  and  fome  of  the  juice  fwallowed,  fel- 
dom  fails  of  averting  very  dangerous  fymptoms.  So 
convinced  are  the  Indians  ot  the  pov.-er  of  this  in- 
fallible  antidote,  that  for  a  trifling  bribe  of  fpiritU' 


344 


CARVER'S    TRAVELS. 


ous  liquor,  they  will  at  any  time  permit  a  rattle 
fnakc  to  drive  his  fangs  into  their  flefh.  It  is  to  btf 
remarked  that  during  thofe  months  in  whieh  the  bite 
dfthefe  creatures  is  moft  venomous,  this  remedy 
for  it  is  in  its  greateft  perfection,  and  moft  luxuriant 
in  its  growth. 

POOR  robin's  plantain  is  of  the  fame 
fpecies  as  the  laft,  but  more  diminutive  in  every  re- 
fpe6t  J  it  receives  its  name  from  its  fize,  and  the 
poor  land  on  which  it  grows.  It  is  a  good  medicinal 
herb,  and  often  adminiftered  with  fucccfs  in  fevers 
and  internal  weaknefles. 

TOAD  PLANTAIN  relembles  the  common 
plantain,  only  it  grows  much  ranker,  and  is  thus 
denominated  bccaufe  toads  love  to  harbor  under  it. 

ROCK  LIVERWORT  is  a  fort  of  Liverwort 
that  grows  on  rocks,  and  is  of  the  nature  of  kelp 
or  mofs.  It  is  efteemed  as  an  excellent  remedy 
againft  declines. 

GARGIT  or  SKOKE  is  a  large  kind  of  weed, 
the  leaves  of  which  are  about  fix  inches  long,  and 
two  inches  and  an  half  broad  ;  they  refemble  thofe 
of  fpinage  in  their  colour  and  texture,  but  not  in 
fhape.  The  root  is  very  large,  from  which  fpring 
different  ftalks  that  run  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  and 
are  full  of  red  berries  i  thefe  hang  in  ckifters  in  the 
month  of  September,  and  are  generally  called  pi- 
geon berries,  as  thofe  birds  then  (ctd  on  them. 
When  the  leaves  firft  fpring  from  the  ground,  aftet 
being  boiled,  they  are  a  nutritious  and  wholcfome 
vegetable,  but  when  they  are  grown  nearly  to  their 
full  fize,  they  acquire  a  poifonons  quality.  The 
roots  applied  to  the  hamls  or  fi^er.  of  a  perfon  ?ffli'(5ted 
with  a  fever,  prove  a  very  powerful  ahfoi  bent. 


C  A  RV  E  R»s    TRAVELS. 


34? 


SKUNK  CABBAGE  or  POKE  is  an  herb  that 
'grows  in  moift  and  fwampy  places.  The  leaves 
of  it  are  about  a  foot  long,  and  fix  inches  broad, 
nearly  oval,  but  rather  pointed.  The  roots  are 
compcfed  of  great  numbers  of  fibres,  a  lotion  of 
which  is  made  ufe  of  by  the  people  in  the  colonies 
for  the  cure  of  the  itch.  There  iffuts  a  ftrono;  muficv 
fmell  from  this  herb,  lomething  like  the  animal  of 
the  fame  name,  before  defcribed,  and  on  that  ac- 
count it  is  fo  termed. 

WAKE  ROBIN  is  an  herb  that  grows  in  fwampy 
lands }  its  root  refembles  a  fmall  turnip,  and  if 
tailed  will  greatly  inflame  the  tongue,  and  imme- 
diately convert  it  from  its  natural  fhape  into  a  round 
hard  fubftancc  -,  in  which  ftate  it  will  continue  for 
fome  time,  and  during  this  no  other  part  of  the 
mouth  will  be  afFeded.  But  when  dried,  it  lofea 
its  aftringent  quality,  and  becomes  beneficial  to 
mankind,  for  if  grated  into  cold  water,  and  taken 
internally,  it  is  very  good  for  all  complaints  of  the 
bowels. 


WILD  INDIGO  is  an  h  :b  of  the  fame  fpecles 
as  that  from  whence  indigo  is  made  in  the  fouthern 
colonies.  It  crows  in  one  ftalk  to  the  heio-ht  of  five 
or  fix  inches  from  the  ground,  when  it  divides  into 
many  branches,  from  v^/hich  ifilie  a  great  number 
of  fmall  hard  bluifli  leaves  that  fpread  to  a  great 
breadth,  and  among  thefe  it  bears  a  yellow  flowerj 
the  juice  of  it  has  a  very  difagreeable  fcent. 

CAT  MINT  has  a  woody  root,  divided  into 
feveral  branches,  and  it  fends  forth  a  fialk  about 
three  feet  high;  the  leaves  are  like  thofe  of  the  net- 
tle or  betony,  and  they  have  a  ftrong  fmell  of  mintj 
with  a  biting  acrid  taficj   the  flowers  grow  on  th^ 


546 


CARVE  R's     TRAVELS. 


tops  of  the  branches,  and  are  of  a  faint  purple  or 
whitilh  colour.  It  is  called  cat  mint,  becaufe  it  is 
faid  that  cats  have  an  antipatiiy  to  it,  and  will  not 
Jet  it  grow,  it  has  nearly  the  virtues  of  common 
mint.*  ■  .       ' 


FLOWERS. 

Heart's  Eafc,  Lillies  red  and  yellow.  Pond 
Lillics,  Cowflips,  May  Flowers,  Jeilamine,  Ho- 
neyfuckles,  Rock  Honeyfuckles,  Rofes  red  and 
white.  Wild  Hollyhock,  Wild  Pinks,  Goldeq 
Rod. 


j_. 


I  (hall  not  enter  into  a  minute  defcription  of  the 
flowers  above  recited,  but  only  juft  obferve,  that 
they  much  refemble  thofe  of  the  fame  name  which 
grow  in  Europe,  and  are  as  beautiful  in  colour, 
and  as  perfect  in  odor,  as  they  can  be  fuppofed  to 
be  in  their  wild  uncultivated  ilate. 


FARINACEOUS   and  LEGUMINOUS 
ROOTS,     6cc. 

M^iize  cr  Indian  Corn,  Wild  Rice,  Btans,  the 
Squalh,  &c. 

MAIZE  or  INDIAN  CORN  grows  from  fix  to 
ten  feet  high,  on  a  ftalk  full  of  joints,  which  is  ftiff 
and  folid,  and  when  green,  abounding  with  a  fweet 
juice.  The  leaves  are  like  thofe  of  the  reed,  about 
two  feet  in  length,  and  three  or  four  inches  broad. 
The  flowers  which  are  produced  at  feme  diflance 
from  th.'  fruit  on  the  fame  plant,  grov/  like  the  ears 

*  For  an  ac  cant  of  7  obacco,  fee  a  treatifc  1  have  publiHied 
pn  the  culture  cfr  ih  it  plant. 


CARVE  R's    TRAVELS. 


it: 


3» 


of  oats,  and  are  fometimes  wliite,  yellow,  or  of  a 
purple  colour.  The  feeds  are  as  large  as  peafe,  and 
Jike  them  quite  naked  and  fmooth,  but  of  a  roun- 
difh  furface,  rather  coniprelTed.  One  fpike  gene- 
rally confifts  of  about  fix  hundred  grains,  which  arc 
placed  clofely  together  in  rows  to  the  number  of 
eight  or  ten,  and  fometimes  twelve.  This  corn  is 
very  wholefbme,  eafy  of  digeftion,  and  yields  as 
good  nourifhment  as  any  other  fort.  After  the  In- 
dians have  reduced  it  into  meal  by  pounding  it,  they 
make  cakes  of  it,  and  bake  them  before  the  fire. 
I  have  already  mentioned  th^t  fome  nations  cat  it  in 
cakes  before  it  is  ripe,  in  which  ftatc  it  is  very 
.'greeable  to  the  palate,  and  extremely  nutritive. 

WILD  RICE.  This  grain,  which  grows  in  the 
prreatcft  plenty  throughout  the  interior  parts  of 
North-America,  is  the  moft  valuable  of  all  the 
Spontaneous  produftions  of  that  country.  Exclufive 
Qf.  its  utility  as  a  fupply  of  food  for  thofe  of  the  hu- 
man fpecies,  who  inhabit  this  part  of  the  continent, 
and  obtained  without  any  other  trouble  than  that  of 
j;athering  it  in,  the  fweetnefs  and  nutritious  quality 
of  it  attra6ts  an  infinite  numberof  wild  fowl  of  every 
kind.,  which  flock  from  diftant  climes,  to  enjoy  this 
rare  "epaftj  and  by  it  become  inexpreffibly  fat  and* 
delicious.  In  future  periods  it  will  be  of  great  fer- 
vice  to  the  infant  colonies,  as  it  will  afix)rd  them  a 
prefent  fupport,  until,  in  the  courfe  of  cultivation, 
othwT  fupplies  may  be  produced;  whereas  in  thofc 
realms  which  are  not  furnifhcd  with  this  bounteous 
gift  of  nature,  even  if  the  climate  is  temperate  and 
the  foil  good,  the  firft  fettlers  are  often  expofed  to 
great  hardlhips  from  the  want  cf  an  immediate  rc- 
fource  for  neceiTary  food.  This  ufeful  grain  grows 
in  the  water  where  it  is  about  two  feet  deep,  and 
where  it  finds  a  rich,  muddy  foil.  The  ftalks  of 
it,  and  the  branches  cr  ears  that  bear  thg  feed,  re- 


34« 


C  A  R  V  E  R's    TRAVELS. 


fcmble  oats  both   in  their  appearance  and  manner 
of  growing.     The  ilalks  are  tuil  of  joints,  and  rile 
more  than  eight  feet  above  tlic  water.     The  natives 
gather  the  grain  in  the  following  manner :     Nearly 
about  the  time  that  it  btgins  to  turn  from  its  milky 
Hate  and  to  ripen,    they   run   their  canoes  into  the 
midft  of  in,  and  tying  bunches  of  it  together,  juft 
below  the  ears,  with  bark,  leave  it  in  this  fituation 
three  or  four  weeks  longer,  till  it  is  perfedly  ripe. 
About  the  latter  end  cf  September  they  return  to 
the  river,  when  each  family  having  its  feparate  al- 
lotment, and  being  able  to  diftinguilh  their  own 
property  by  the  manner  of  faftening  the  flieaves, 
gather  in  the  portion  that  belongs  to  them.     This 
they  do  by  placing  their  canoes  clofe  to  the  bunches 
of  rice,  in  fuch  pofition  as  to  receive  the  grain  when 
it  falls,  and  then  beat  it  out,  with   pieces  of  wood 
formed   for  that  purpofe.     Having  done  this,  they 
dry   it  with  fmoke,  and  afterwards  tread  or  rub  on 
the  outhde  hufk;  wl  en  it  is  fit  for  ufe  they  put  it 
into  the  Ikins  of  fawns,  or  young  buffaloes,  taken 
off  nearly  whole  for  this  purpofc,  and  feweci  into  a 
fort  of  fack,  wherein  tney  prcferve  it  till  the  return 
of  their  harveft.     It  has  been  the  fubjedl  of  much 
l].eculation,  why  this  fpontaneous  grain  is  not  found 
in  any  other  regions  of  America,    or   in  thofe  coun- 
tries fituaccd  in  the  fame  pai  allels  of  latitude,  where 
the  waters  are  as  apparently  adapted  for  its  growth 
as  in  the  climate  I  treat  of     As  for  inftance,  none 
o'the  rountries  that  lie  to  the  fonth  ancl  eaft  of  the 
g/.^at  lakes,  even  fiom  the  provinces  north  of  the 
Caroiinas,  to  the  extremities  of  Labradorc,  produce 
any  of  this  gram,     it  is  true  I  found  great  quantities 
of  it  in  the  watered  lands  near  Detroit,  between  Lake 
Huron  and  Lake  Erie,  but  on  inqmry  I  learned  that 
it  never  arrived  nearer  to  maturity  than  juft  to  blof- 
fom  i  after  which   it  appeared  blighted,   and  died 
away.  TJ^ib  convinces  me  that  the  north-weft  wind, 


C  A  R  V 


E  R'9 


TRAVELS. 


349 


as  I  have  before  hinted,  is  mu  :h  more  powerful  in 
thefe  than  in  the  interior  parts,  and  that  it  is  more 
inimical  to  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  after  it  has  pafTed 
over  the  lakei,  and  become  united  with  the  wind 
which  joins  it  from  the  frozen  regions  of  the  north- 
than  it  is  further  to  the  wcftward. 

BEANS.  Thefe  are  nearly  of  the  fame  fhape  as 
the  European  bean?,  but  are  not  much  larger  than 
the  fmallcft  fize  of  them.  They  are  boiled  by  the 
Indians,  and  eaten  chiefly  with  b^Jarsfiefli. 

The  SQUASH.  They  have  alfo  feveral  fpecies 
of  the  MELON  or  PUMPKIN,  which  by  fome  are 
called  fquafhes,  and  which  ferVe  many  nations  partly 
as  a  fubftitutc  for  bread.  Of  thefe  there  is  the 
round,  the  crane-neck,  the  fm all  flat,  and  the  large 
oblong  fquafh.  The  fmaller  forts  being  boiled,  are 
eaten  during  the  fummer  r»s  vegetables;  and  are  all 
of  a  pleafing  flavor.  The  crane-neck,  which  greatly 
excels  all  the  others,  are  ufually  hung  up  for  a  win- 
ter's (lore,  and  in  this  manner  might  be  prcferved 
for  feveral  months. 


lakes 

ward 

large 

iea,  a 

them 

opene^ 

that  m 

will  be 

ver  M 

them, 

interco 

the  Eu 

do  thol 

who  ha 

produc< 

thofe  ol 

den:    n 

powerfi 

The 

from  m 

fertile  a 

eluding 

nn   the 

Tituatedj 

habitant 

tocftabl 

They  wi 

ipontane 

tobacco 


APPENDIX. 


JL  HE  countries  that  lie  between  the  great 
lakes  and  River  MiflTiffippi,  and  from  thence  foath- 
ward  to  Weft  Florida,  although  in  the  midft  of  a 
large  continent,  and  at  a  great  diftance  from  the 
fea,  are  fo  fituated,  that  a  communication  between 
them  and  other  realms  might  conveniently  be 
opened}  by  which  means  thofe  empires  or  colonies 
that  may  hereafter  be  founded  or  planted  therein, 
will  be  rendered  commercial  ones.  The  great  Ri- 
ver Miffiflippi,  which  runs  through  the  whole  of 
them,  will  enable  their  inhabitants  to  eftablifh  an 
intercourfe  with  foreign  climes,  equally  as  well  as 
the  Euphrates,  the  Nile,  the  Danube,  or  the  Wolga 
do  thofe  people  which  dwell  on  their  banks,  and 
who  have  no  other  convenience  for  exporting  the 
produce  of  their  own  country,  or  for  importing 
thofe  of  others,  than  boats  and  veffcls  of  light  bur- 
den: notwithftanding  which,  they  have  become 
powerful  and  opulent  itates. 

The  MilTifilppi,  as  1  have  before  obferved,  runs 
from  north  to  fouth,  and  pafTes  through  the  moft 
fertile  and  temperate  part  of  North-America,  ex- 
cluding only  the  extremities  of  it,  which  verge  both 
on  the  torrid  and  frigid  zones.  Thus  favorably 
fituated,  when  once  its  banks  are  covered  with  in- 
habitants, they  need  not  long  be  at  a  lofs  for  means 
to  eftablifh  an  extenfive  and  profitable  commerce. 
They  svill  find  the  country  towards  the  fouth  almoft 
fpontaneoufly  producing  filk,  cotton,  indigo,  and 
tobacco 3  and  the  more   northern  parts,  wine,  oil. 


35«  A    P    f    K    n15  1    X. 

beef,  tallow,  fk'ms,  bufFalo-vv:):)l,  and  furs;  with 
lead,  copper,  iron,  coals,  lumber,  corn,  rice,  aid 
f'-uits,  befides  eartii  and  barks  lor  tlying. 

Thefe  articles,  with  which  it  abounds  even  to 
profufion,  may  be  tranfported  to  the  ocean  cnrougli 
this  river  without  greater  difficulty  than  that  wrnch 
attends  the  conveyance  of  merchaniize  down  foine 
of  thofe  I  have  jull  mentioned.  It  is  true  that  the  Mif« 
fifTippi  being  the  boundary  between  the  Engliih  and 
Spanifli  fettiements,  and  the  Spaniards  in  polTeTion 
of  the  mouth  of  it,  tiiey  may  obftriuft  the  pilTage 
of  it,  and  greatly  dilhearten  thofe  who  maiie  the 
firft  attemptsj  yet  when  the  advantages  that  will  ctr* 
tainly  arife  to  fettlers,  are  known,  multitudes  of 
adventurers,  allured  by  the  profpe6t  of  fuch  abun- 
dant riches,  will  flock  to  it,  aid  eftablilh  thcmfelves, 
though  at  the  expence  of  rivers  of  blood. 

But  fliould  the  nation  that  happens  to  be  in  pof- 
feffion  of  New  Orleans  prove  unfriendly  to  the  in- 
ternal fettlers,  they  may  find  a  way  into  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico,  by  the  river  Iberville,  which  empties  itfclf 
from  the  Miffffippi,  after  pafling  through  Lake 
Maurepas,  into  Lake  Ponchartrain,  which  has  a  com- 
munication with  the  fea  within  the  borders  of  Vv'eft 
Florida.  The  River  Iberville  branches  off  from  thq 
MiffilTippi  about  eighty  miles  above  New  Orleans, 
and  though  it  is  at  prefent  choked  up  in  fome  parts, 
it  might  at  an  inconfiderable  expence  be  made  na- 
vigable, fo  as  to  anfwcJr  ali  the  purpofes  propof- 
ed. 

Although  the  Engliih  have  acquired  fince  the  laft 
peace  a  more  extenfive  knowlege  of  the  interior  parts 
than  were  i^ver  obtained  before,  even  by  the  French, 
yet  many  of  their  produ61:ions  Hill  remain  unknown. 
A.nd  though  I  was  not  deficient  either  in  affiduity  or 


APPENDIX. 


m 


attention  during  the  fhort  time  I  remained  in  t'lcm, 
yet  I  mud  acknowledge  that  the  intelligence  I  gained 
was  not  fo  perfe(5l  as  I  could  wifh,  and  that  it  requires 
further  refcarches  to  make  the  world  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  real  value  of  thefe  long  hiddcji 
realms. 

The  parts  of  the  Miflifllppi  of  which  no  furvey 
has  hitherto  been  taken  amount  to  upwards  of  eight 
hundred  miles,  following  the  courfe  of  the  ftream, 
that  is,  from  the  Illinois  to  the  Ouifconfm  Rivers. 
Plans  of  fuch  as  reach  from  the  former  to  the  Gulph 
of  Mexico,  have  been  delineated  byfeveral  hands 
and  I  have  the  pleafure  to  find  that  an  aflual  furvey 
of  the  intermediate  parts  of  the  Mifliflippi,  between 
the  Illinois  River  and  the  fca,  with  the  Ohio,  Che- 
rokee, and  Ouabache  Rivers,  taken  on  the  Ipot  by 
a  very  ingenious  gentleman,*  is  now  publilhed. 
I  flatter  myiclf  that  the  obfervations  therein  contain- 
ed, which  have  been  made  by  one  whofe  knowledge 
of  the  parts  therein  defcribed  was  acquired  by  a  per- 
fonal  inveftigation,  aided  by  a  folid  judgment,  will 
confirm  the  remarks  I  have  made,  and  promote  the 
plan  I  am  here  recommending. 

I  fhall  alfo  here  give  a  concife  difcription  of  each, 
beginning,  according  to  the  rule  of  geographers, 
with  that  which  lies  moft  to  the  north. 

It  is  however  ncceffary  to  obferve,  that  before 
thefe  fettlements  can  be  eftablifhed,  grants  muft  be 
procured  in  the  nr^anner  cuftomary  on  fuch  occafions, 
and  the  lands  be  purchafed  of  thofe  who  have  ae- 
quired  a  right  %o  them  by  a  long  pofleflion  j  but  no 

*  Thomas  Hutching,  Kfq.  Captain  in  his  Majefty's  6oih,  or 
Royal  American  Regiment  of  Foot. 

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APPENDIX. 


greatv-r  difficulty  will  attend  the  conplcticn  of  this 
point,  than  the  original  founders  of  every  colony 
on  the  continent  met  with  tp  obftruft  their  inten- 
tions ;  and  the  number  of  Indians  who  inhabit  tliefe 
irads  being  greatly  inadt'q.uate  to  their  extent,  it  is 
not  to  be  doubted,  but  they  will  readily  give,  up  for 
a  rcaTonable  confidcration,  territories  that  are  of 
little  ofe  to  them  j  or  remove  for  the  accommodation 
of  their,  new  neighbors,  to  lands  at  a  greater  dif- 
tancc  from  the  Mifliflippi,  the  navigation  of  whick 
is  not  eflcntial  to  the  welfare  of  their  communities. 

.  No.  I.  The  country  within  thefe  lines,  from  its 
fituation,  i^  colder  than  any  of  the  others  -,  yet  I  am 
convinced  that  the  air  is  much  more  temperate  than 
in  thofe  provinces  chat  lie  in  the  fame  degree  of  la- 
titude to  the  eaft  of  it.  The  foil  is  excellent,  and 
there  is  a  great  deal  of  land  that  is  free  from  woods 
in  the  parts  adjoining  to  the  Mifliflippi ;  whi(ft  on 
the  contraiy  the  north-eaftern  borders  of  it  are  well 
woodedi  Towards  the  head  of  the  River  Saint 
Croix,  rice  grows  in  great  pjcnty,  and  the^fc  is 
abundance  of  copper.  Thotigh  the  falls  of  Saint 
Anthony  arc  fituatcd,  at  the  fouth  eaft  corner  of  this 
Ulvifion  yet  that  impediment  will  not  totally  obftruft 
the  navigation,  as  the  River  Saint  Croix,  which 
runs  through  a  great  part  of  the  fouthern  fide  of  it, 
enters  the  MifliiTippi  juft  below  the  Falls,  and  flows 
with  fo  gentle  a  current,  that  it  aflfords  a  convenient 
navigation  for  boats.  This  tra^l;  is  about  one  hun* 
dred  miles  from  north-V^eft  to  fouth-eaft,  and  one 
.hundred  and  twenty  miles  fronf)  north-eaft  to  fouth 
wed:. 

<  No.  II.  This  traft,  as  I  have  already  defcribed 
it  in  my  Journal,  exceeds  the  higheft  encomiums  I 
■can  give  itj  notwithftanding  whichit  is  entirely  un- 
inhabited, and  the  prol^'ufion  of  bkflings  that  nature 
has'lhowcrcd  on  this  heavenly  fpot,  return  unenjoycd 


APPENDIX. 


isf 


to  the  lap  from  whence  they  fprang.  '  Lake  Pepin, 
as  I  have  termed  it  after  the  French,  lies  within 
thefe  bounds;  but  the  lake  to  which  that  name  pro- 
perly belongs  is  a  little  above  the  river  St.  Croix  j 
however,  as  all  the  traders  ckll  the  lower  lake  by 
that  name,  I  have  fo  denominated  it,  contrary  to 
the  information  I  received  from  the  Indians.  This 
tolony  lying  in  unequal  angles,  the  dimenfions  of  it 
cannbt  be  exactly  given,  but  it  appears  to  be  on  an 
average  about  one  hundred  and  ten  miles  long,  and 
(fighty  broad. 

fc  5^6.  III.  The  greateft  part  bf  this  divifion  is  fitu^ 
ated  on  the  river  Ouifconfin,  which  is  navigable  for 
boati  about  onfc  hundred  and  eighty  miles,  till  jc 
reaches  the  carrying  place  that  divides  it  from  the 
Fox  River.  The  land  which  is  contained  within  its 
limits,' is  in  fome  parts  mountainous^  and  in  the 
other  confifts  of  fertile  meadows  and  fine  paftiuage. 
It  is  furni(hed  alfo  with  ^  greatdeal  of  good  timber, 
and,  as  is  generally  the  cafe  on  the  banks  of  the 
MifTiffippi  and  its  branches,  has  much  finCj,  open, 
clear  land,  proper  for  cultivation.  To  thefe  are 
added  an  intxhaudible  fund  of  riches,  in  a  number 
of  lead  mines  which  lie  at  a  little  diftance  from  the 
Ouifconfin  towards  the  fouth,  and  appear  to  be  un- 
commonly full  of  ore.  Although  the  Saukies  and 
Octagaumies  inhabit  a  part  of  this  tradb ;  the  whole 
of  the  lands  under  their  cultivation  does  not  exceed 
three  hundred  acres.  It  is  in  length  from  ead  to 
wefi:  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  about 
tighty  from  north  to  fouth. 

No.  IV.  This  colony  confifts  of  lands  of  various 
denominations,  fome  or  which  are  very  good,  and 
others  very  bad.  The  bcft  is  fituated  oi^  the  bor- 
ders of  the  Green  Bay  and  the  Fox  River,  where 
%\icK  are  innumerable  acrea  covered  with  fine  j^rafs^ 


>$« 


A    F    P    i;    N    D    I    X. 


moft  part  of  which  grows  to  an  aftonifiiing  heights 
This  river  will  afford  a  good  navigation  for  boats 
throughout  the  whole  of  its  courfc,  which  is  about 
one  hundred  s^nql  eighty  miles,  except  between  the 
Winnebago  Lake,  and  the  Green  Bay  j  where  there 
arc  fevcral  carrying- places,  in  the  fpacc  of  thirty 
miles.     The  Fox  River  is  rendered  remarkable  by 
the  abundance  of  rice  that  grows  on  its  (hores,  and 
the  aimed  infinite  numbers  of  wild  fowl  that  frequent 
its  banks.     The  land  which  lies  near  it  appears  to 
be  very  fertile,  and  promifcs  to  produce  a  fufficient 
fupply  of  all  the  neceffarics  of  life  for  any  number 
of  inhabitants.     A  communication  might.be  opened 
by  thofe  who  fhall  fettle  here,  either  through  the 
0reen  Bay,   X^ake  Michigan,  Lake  Pluron,  Lake 
Erie,  and  Lake  Ontario  with  Canada,  or  by  way  of 
the  piiifconfin  into  the  Minin3ppi.     This  divifion  is 
about  one  hundred  and  fixty  miles  long  from  north 
to  fouth,  aod  one  hundred  and  forty  broad. 

No.  V,  This  is  an  cxcellertt  tra£t  of  land,  and, 
confidering  its  interior  fituation,  has  greater  advan- 
tages than  could  be  expededi  for  having  the  Mif< 
(iflippi  op  its  ^eftern  borders,  and  the  Illinois  on  its 
(buth-eaft,  it  has  as  free  a  navigation  as  mod  of  the 
others.  The  oortherii  parts  of  it  are  fomewhat 
mountainous,  but  it  contains  a  great  deal  of  clear 
land,  iht  foil  of  which  is  excellent,  with  many  fine 
fertile  meadows,  and  not  a  few  rich  mines.  It  is 
upwards  of  two  hundred  miles  from  north  to  fouth, 
and  one  hundred  sind  fifty  from  eaft  to  weft. 

No.  yi.  This  colony  being  fituated  upon  the 
heads  of  the  Riyers  Illinois  and  Ouabache,  the  for- 
mer of  which  empties  itfelf  immediately  into  the 
MifTiffippi,  and  the  latcer  into  the  fame  river  by 
means  of  the  Ohio,  will  readily  find  a  communica- 
tion with  the  fca  through  thcfc.    Haying  aJfo  the 


A    P    r    E    N    D    I    X. 


SS7 


river  Miamis  pafling  through  it,  u-hich  runs  into 
Lake  Erie,  an  intercQurfc  might  be  elVablilhed  with 
Canada  alfo  by  way  of  the  lakes,  us  before  pointed 
out.  It  contains  a  great  deal  of  rich  fertile  land, 
and  though  more  inland  than  any  of  the  others, 
will  be  as  valuable  an  acquifition  as  the  bed;  of  them. 
From  north  to  fouth  it  is  about  one  hundred  and 
fitxy  miles,  from  caft  to  weil:  one  hundred  and 
eighty. 

No.  Vn.  This  divifion  is  not  inferior  to  any  of 
the  foregoing.  Its  northern  borders  lying  adjacent 
to  the  Illinois  river,  and  its  wcftern  to  the  Miffifiip- 
pi»  the  fituation  of  it  for  eftabliihing  a  commercial 
intercojurfe  with  foreign  nations  is  very  commodious. 
It  abounds  with  all  the  necefl^ries  of  life,  and  is 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from  north  to 
iouth,  and  fxxty  miles  from  eaft  to  weft ;  but  the 
confines  of  it  being  more  irregular  than  the  others, 
I  cannot  exadly  afcertain  tlie  dimenfioos  of  it. 


No.  Vni.  This  colony  having  the  River  Oua* 
bache  running  through  the  centre  of  it,  and  the 
Ohio  for  its  (buthern  boundary,  will  enjoy  the  ad- 
yanuges  of  a  free  navigation.  It  extends  about  one 
hundred  and  forty  miles  from  north  to  fouth,  afid 
got  hundred  and  thirty  from  eaft  to  weft. 

No.  IX.  X.  and  XI.  being  fimilar  in  fituation, 
^nd  furnilhed  with  nearly  the  fame  convenicncies  as 
all  the  others,  I  Ihall  only  give  their  dimcnfions. 
No.  IX.  is  about  eighty  miles  each  way,  but  notex- 
a<^ly  fquare.  No.  X.  is  nearly  in  the  fame  form, 
and  about  the  fame  extent;  No.  XI.  is  much  larger^ 
being  at  leaft  one  hundred  and  Bfty  miles  from  north 
to  fouth,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  from  eaft  to 
weft,  as  nearly  as  from  its  irregularity  it  is  poifible 
to  calculate. 


35* 


APPENDIX. 


After  the  defcription  of  this  delightful  country  I 
have  already  given,  I  need  not  repeat  that  all  the 
fpots  I  have  thus  pointed  out  arc  as  proper  for  colo- 
nization, abound  not  onlv  with  the  neceffaries  oflife, 
being  well  ftored  with  rice,  *deer,  buffaloes,  bears, 
&c.  but  produce  in  equal  abundance  fuch  as  may 
be  termed  luxuries,  orat  leaft  thofe  articles  of  com- 
merce before  recited,  which  the  inhabitants  of  it 
will  have  an  opportunity  of  exchanging  for  the  need- 
ful produdions  of  other  countries. 

The  difcovery  of  a  north- weft  paffagc  to  India 
has  been  the  fubjed  of  innumerable  difquifitions. 
Many  efforts  like  wife  have  been  made  by  way  of 
Hudlbn's  Bay,  to  penetrate  into  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
though  without  fuccefs.  I  (hall  not  therefore  trouble 
myfelf  to  enumerate  the  advantages  that  would  re- 
fult  from  this  much- wilhed- for  difcovery,  its  utility 
bein^  already  too  well  known  to  the  comniercial 
world  to  need  any  elucidation  j  I  (hall  only  confine 
myfelf  to  the  methods  that  appear  moft  probable  to 
cnfurc  fueccfs  to  future  adventurers.  . 

The  many  acttempts  that  have  hitherto  been  made 
for  this  purpofe,  but  which  have  all  been  rendered 
abortive,  Teem  to  have  turned  the  fpirit  of  making 
ufeful  rtfearbhes  into  another  channel,  and  this  moft 
inters fting  one  has  almoft  been  |iven  up  as  imprac- 
ticable ;  but,  in  my  opinion,  their  failure  rather  pro- 
ceeds from  their  bein^  begun  at  an  improper  place, 
than  from  their  impradticability. 

All  navigators  that  have  hitherto  gone  in  fearch 
of  this  pa(rage,  have  firft  entered  Hudfon's  Bay ; 
the  confequence  of  which  has  been,  that  having 
fpent  the  f<-.^fon  during  which  only  thofe  feas  are  na- 
vigable, in  exploring  many  of  the  numerous  inlets 
lying  therein,  and  this  without  difcoycring  any  opept 


APPENDIX. 


359 


ing,  terrified  at  the  approach  of  winter,  they  have 
haitcned  back  for  fear  of  being  frozen  up,  ami  con- 
fcquently  of  being  obliged  to  continue  till  the  return 
of  fummer  in  thofc  black  and  dreary  realms.  Even 
fuch  as  have  perceived  the  coafts  to  enfold  themfclves, 
and  who  have  of  courfe  entertained  hopes  of  fuc- 
cecding,  have  been  deterred  from  profecuting  their 
voyage,  left  the  winter  Ihould  fct  in  before  they 
could  reach  a  more  temperate  climate. 

Thcfe  apprehenfions  have  difcouraged  the  boklcft 
adventurers  from  completing  the  expeditions  in 
which  they  have  engaged,  and  fruftrated  every  at- 
tempt. But  as  it  has  been  difcovered  by  fuch  as 
have  failed  into  the  northern  parts  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  that  there  are  many  inlets  which  verge  to- 
wards Hudfon's  Bay,  it  is  not  to  be  doubted  but 
that  a  palTage  might  be  made  out  from  that  quar- 
ter, if  it  be  fought  for  at  a  proper  feafon.  And 
fhould  thefe  expeftations  be  difappointed,  the  ex- 
plorers would  not  be  in  the  fame  hazardous  fituation 
with  thofe  who  fet  out  from  Hudfon's  Bay,  for  they 
will  always  be  fure  of  a  fafe  retreat,  through  an  open 
fta,  to  warmer  regions,  even  after  repeated  difap- 
pointments.  And  this  confidence  will  enable  them 
to  proceed  with  greater  refolution,  and  probably  be 
the  means  of  cffedling  what  too  much  circumfpcc- 
tion  or  timidity  has  prevented. 

Thefe  reafons  for  altering  the  plan  of  inquiry 
after  this  convenient  palfage,  carry  with  them  fuch 
conviftion,  that  ia  the  year  1774,  Richard  Whit- 
worth,  Efq.  member  of  Parliament  tor  Stafford,  a 
gentleman  of  an  extenfive  knowledge  in  geography, 
of  an  adlive,  enterprifing  difpofition,  and  whofe 
benevolent  mind  is  ever  ready  to  promote  the  hap- 
pinefs  of  individuals,  or  the  welfare  of  the  public, 
from  the  reprefentations  made  to  him  of  die  cxpedi- 


36q 


APPENDIX. 


cncy  a(  it  by  myfclf  and  others,  intended  to  travel 
acrofs  the  continent  of  America,  that  he  niight 
attempt  to  carry  a  fcheme  of  this  kind  into  execution. 

He  defigned  to  have  purfued  nearly  the  fame 
route  that  I  did ;  and  after  having  built  a  fort  at 
Lake  Pepin,  to  have  proceeded  r  the  River  St. 
Pierre,  and  from  thence  up  a  branch  of  the  River 
MelTorie,  till  having  difcovered  the  fource  of  the 
Oregan  or  River  of  the  Weft,  on  the  other  fide  of 
the  nimmit  of  the  lands  that  divide  the  waters  which 
run  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  from  thofe  that  fall  into 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  he  would  have  failed  down  that 
river  to  the  place  where  it  is  faid  to  empty  itfelf 
near  the  Straits  of  Anniaa. 

Having  there  eftablifhed  another  fettlementon 
fomc  fpot  that  appeared  befi:  calculated  for  the  fup- 
port  or  his  people,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  fome  of 
the  inlets  which  trend  towards  the  north-eaft,  he 
would  from  thence  have  begun  his  refcarches.  This 
gentleman  was  to  have  been  attended  in  the  expedi« 
tion  by  Colonel  Rogers,  myfclf,  and  others,  and 
to  have  taken  out  with  him  a  fufficient  number  of 
artificers  and  mariners  for  building  the  forts  and 
vefTels  neceffary  on  the  occafion,  and  for  navigating 
the  latter i  in  all  not  lefs  than  fifty  or  fixty  men. 
The  grants  and  other  requifites  for  this  purpofe 
were  even  nearly  completed,  when  the  prefcnt  trou- 
bles in  Amefica  began,  which  put  a  ftop  to  an  en- 
terprife  that  promifed  to  be  of  inconcaivable  ad- 
vantage to  th«  Bricifh  dominions,, 


FINIS. 


List 


o  p 


SUBSCRIBERS 


T    O 


CARVER'S  TRAVELS. 


■A    Hi  ir  tana- 


Abel  john 

Addis  John 
Addis  Richard 
Albcrger  Adam 
Allardice  Samuel 
Alexander  Samuei 
Allen  Samuel 
Allibonc  Thomas  . 
Alricks  Jacob,  fVilrmng- 

ton,  D. 
Anderfon  John^ 
Andcrfon  Charles 
Anderfon  James 
Anderfon  Alexander 
Andrews  John 


Anderfon  James 
Anthony,  jun.  Jacob 
Andrews  Robert 
Apt  George 
Apt  Henry 
Arbegaft  Johri 
Arbuncklc  Johit 
Archer  Samuel 
Armftrong  Archibald 
Armftrong  W  illiam,  Nisw 

Cajlky  D. 
Arnell  David 
Arnold  John 
Arnot  John 
A(h bridge  Jof^^ph 


;• 


SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES> 


Afhton  George 
Alhtcn  William 
Auld  Jacob 


Aull  William,  New  Cafilc, 


B 


Bags  John 

Bail  John,  IVilmington,  D. 
Bailey  Mofcs 
Baird  James 
Baker  A.  George 
Baldwin  Jofeph 
Baldwin  Thomas 
Baley  Barney 
Baley  John 
Ball  W.  Blackwell 
Banks  William 
Bantleon  George 
Barber  M.  John 
Barber  Robert 
Barnes  John 
Barnet  Nathaniel 
Barr  Philip 
Bartleman  Thomas 
Bafs  Aquila 
Batfon  Thomas 
Burke  Michael 
Bird  Ifaiah 
Bilhop  Willam 
Bartjefon  George 


Bayard  A.  James,  PTil- 

miftgton,  D, 
Bayel  Samuel  , 

Bayne  Robert 
Bayne  John 
Bayne  Nathaniel 
Beckley  Daniel 
Beak  Henry 
Beck  Henry 
Bell  Jofeph 
Bdl  Henry 
Bell  Thomas 
Bell  Peter 
Bell  William, 
Bender  Lewis 
Bender  John 
Bennett  Jofeph 
Bird  Jofeph 

Birz  John,  New  Caftle,  JD, 
Bioren  John 
Bingham  A. 
Bingham  Thomas 
Brooks  John 
Brooks  Ifaac 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


Bivcn  John 
Black  jun.  James 
Blanford  John 
Black  jun.  James 
Blair  Jofcph 
BloomBeld  Elifha 
Boland  Alexander 
Bond  O.  Zacheus 
Booth  James,  New  CaJ* 

tleD. 
Both  Adam 
Bourfchett  John 
Bourne  Stephen 
Bowles  William 
Bowen  John 
Bowman  Jofcph 
Bowers  Jofcph 
Boyd  James 
Boyer  James 
Brady  James 
Branaman  Chriftian 
Bray  William 
Brearly  Jofcph 
Brewer  Daniel 
Briggs  Abner 
Briggs  Francis 
Bremer  Lewis 
Britton  Jofeph 
Broadfoot  James 
Brooks  David 


Brown  Abia 
Brown  George 
Brown  John 
Brown  John 
Brown  John,   AT.  L, 
Brown  Matthew 
Brown  Jofeph 
Brown  James 
Brown  Richard 
Brown  Samuel 
Brown  William 
Bruftar  John 
Bryon  John,    New  Caf- 

tleD, 
Bryon  Thomas 
Brymer  Alexander 
Buck  William 
Buchanan  Alexander 
Buckley  William 
Buffington  Jofeph 
Bugg  A.  J.  Georgia^ 
Bunting  Nicholas 
Burden  Jofcph 
Burke  James 
Burk  John 
Burnfide  William 
Bud  Sim. 
Butler  James 
Butler  John 
Byrne  Alexander 


' 

1 

4                 SUBSCRIBERS*    NAMES.                            1 

1  = 

c 

I 

>• 

1          Co: 

Cambal  Hanfcl 

Chrifty  Hush 

■          Coc 

Cameron  David 

Cift  Charles 

Camp  Robert 

Claedy  Samuel 

^^^H                                  ^^^#1 

Campbell  Jofcph 

Clark  George 

I             Cnll 

Campbell  William 

Clark  Daniel 

^^^H                              ^^  \Jmm 

Campbell  Charles 

Clark  W/rhomas,Artf«; 

I         Cole 

Campbell  D.  John 

Caftle  D. 

Carpenter  Richard 

Clarke  Abfalom 

1         Coll 

Carpenter  James,    New 

Cbufe  Henry 

I         Colli 

Caftle  D. 

Cl.'.yton  Henry 

I         Colli 

Carbarey  Daniel 

Clayton  Charles 

1         Conr 

Carels  Samuel 

Clendenin  G.  Samuel 

1         Conv 

Carr  Patrick 

Clendenings  Robert 

Carr  Robert 

Clinton  John 

1         Coop 

Carr  James 

Clinc  Jofeph 

1         Coats 

Carmalt  S.  Thomas 

Clamberg  Philip 

■ 

Carfon  James 

Cooper  William 

I 

Cafe  Jofeph 

Cooper  Robert 

^^H                        ^r^ 

Cather  David 

Cooper  Tho:  &  Hugh 

■         Dalla 

CaufFman  Jacob 

Cooper  Jofeph 

I         Darb^ 

Caulter  Hugh 

Cooper  John 

CaJ 

Cecil  William 

Copeland  William 

Dawf 

Chapman  John 

Copeland  William 

ton 

Chapman  R.  George 

Cork  John 

Davis 

Chriftian  Peter 

Comely  James 

Davis 

Chriftine  Thomas 

Corn  man  William 

Davif( 

Chrillic  David 

Coft  Martin 

Dcall 

Chrifty  Robert 

Courtney  MichacJ 

Pcan 

SUBSCRIBERS*   NAMES. 


Coats  William,  Efq. 
Coaxes  William 
Cochran  B.  Hugh 
Cohen  Jacob 
Colladay  Daniel 
Colladay  Abraham 
Coles  William 
Colelbcry  Henry,  New 

Cafile  D. 
Collier  William 
Collings  Arthur 
CoUings  Richard 
Connor  Thomas 
Conway  John,  New 

Cafile  D. 
Cooper  George 
Coats  Abraham^ 


Coxc  Fench 
Cox  John 
Cowcn  William 
Craw  John,    New- 

CoftU  D. 
Crawford  John 
Crawford  Benjamin 
Crawford  William 
Crofccopc  Jofeph 
Croufdill  William 
Crumpton  William 
Culbertfon  William 
Commings  William 
Cummings  James 
Cummings  Jonathan' 
Cuthbert  A. 
Commons  Jofeph 


p. 


Pallas  William 

Darby  James,  New 
Cafile  D, 

pawfon  Tho:  Wilming- 
ton D, 

Davis  Samfon 

Davis  William 

Davifon  Arthur 

Peal  Danid 

Pcan  George 


Dean  John  ' 
Dean  jun.  William 
Pehaven  Jonathan 
Dc  Haas  P.  John 
Decombaz  jun.  G.  6  Co, 
Deimling  F.  G. 
Dennis  John 
Deflozieries  N. 
Devis  John 
pick  J^cob 


SUBSCRIBERS*    NAMES. 


^^B                       V~^  11  * 

■        Ellio 

Dixcy  Thomas 

Dougherty  James                  1 

m       ^^^0 

Dick  Philip 

Dougharty  Richard               1 

j,?       '■; 

Dlckenfon  Jonathsin 

Doughty  Daniel                    1 

■                        " 

Dickenfon  Jcffe 

Duffey  James                        ' 

1       Facun 

Dickenfon    John,    fVil- 

Duffy  Aaron 

B        Fame 

mington  D. 

Dufficld  John 

H        Feaga 

Dillon  James 

Duffield  John 

1        Fee  R 

Dilworth  James 

Duglafs  Richard 

■     Ft^ity . 

Dixon  James    - 

Dull  jun.  Chriftopher 

■       Fentha 

Dobbin  Thomas 

Duncan  Alexander,  New 

■       Fifher 

Dobbins  Thomas 

C^flle  D. 

1       Fifs  Jo 

Dobelbowcr  J.  Henry 

Dupuy  William 

1       Fitzget 

DoddHugh 

Dutilh  &  Wachfmuth 

1       Flannai 

Doig  John 

Dufton  Daniel 

■       Flemini 

Donnell  Henry 

Derbyfliire  John 

■           mwgt 

Ponaldfon  T.  William 

Daly  Patrick 

■       Flint  Jc 

Dougan  Archibald 

Dreu  John 

H  Foering 
I  Fogel  J 
■      Folwell 

Dougherty  Thomas 

Davis  William 

E. 

1 

Eafton  John 

Englifli  Jofcph 

1      Gabel  I 

Eckfeldt  Adam 

Erringfight  David 

Eckford  Walter 

Erringer  P.  John 

■  Oalbrait 
1  Gardner 
H      Gardine 

Edward    James,      fFil- 

Erwin  George 

mingtcn  D. 

Evans  Evan 

H      Gardine 

Egert  George 

Evans  James 

I          fFilmt 

H  Gardner 
1      Garman 

Ehen  James 

Evans  Jonathan 

Elford  John 

Everhart  David 

l&Uingwood  Ebcnczer 

Ewing  Thomas 

SUBSCRIBERS*  NAMES. 


Elliott  Samuel 
Ekron  James 


Eyre  jun,  Manuel 


Facundus  Jacob 
Earner  Cafper 
Feagan  Nicholas 
Fee  Robert 
Fclty  John 
Fentham  G.  John 
Fifber  Elifha 
Fifs  John 

Fitzgerald  William 
Flannaghan  John 
Fleming     John, 

mington  D, 
Flint  John 
Focring  Samuel 
Fogel  Jacob 
Folwell  Nathan 


PTiU 


Foot  John 
Forrelier  Henry 
Forfyth  Ifaac 
Forfyth  David 
Forfyth  William 
Fottcrall  Stephen 
Fox  James,  Georgia, 
Fox  George 
Fox  George 
French  Thomas 
Frcfhmuth  Daniel 
Fritz  Peter 
Fry  berg  John 
Fry berg  John 
Furmanjun.  Moore 


Gabel  Peter 

Galbraith  Robert 

Gardner  S.  John 

Gardiner  Benjamin 

Gardiner  M.  Francis, 

fVilmitigton  D. 

Gardner  James 
Carman  John 


Gafs  George 

Gafkill  Jofiah 

Gaw  Gilbert 

Gaw  Gilbert 

Gaynor  Thomas 

Gazzam  Williafm 

George  Matthew  * 
Gaklborough  Charles 


r 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES* 


Gairifon  Jofhua 

'•    Golden  F.  Philip. 

1        "^ 

Garnctt  Perry 

Goff  Thomas 

S       HaU 

Geycr  jun.  Andrew 

Grace  John 

J^       Ham 

Gilbert  Conrad 

Grace  Jacob 

K            mh 

Gill  John 

GrafF  Frederick 

H|       Hank 

Gillefpie  Robert 

Grant  John    • 

■       Harb< 

Gillafpy  Henry 

Graffet  Daniel,  2  copies 

■       Hark 

Gilmor  William 

Gray  James 

H       Harrc 

Gilpin    William,  mi- 

Gray  Jofeph 

H       Harpc 

mington  D, 

Gravenftine  Samuel 

■       Harrif 

Gibfon  Frederick 

Green  William 

H       Hard) 

Gibbs  Stephen 

Greer  James 

H       Harve 

Gilbert  Jcfle 

Grcbk  William 

H       Harve 

Glenn  John 

Griffin  Samuel 

Glaus  Simon 

Griffith  Jofeph 

H       HafTin; 

Glasford  Abel,  New 

Grimes  John 

H       Hacric. 

CaftleD, 

Guillenough  Patrick 

H       Hayes 

Gordon  John 

Guilfry  Matthew 

H      Hawkii 

Gore  John 

Guir  William 

H      Hazel  tc 

Gorham  Edward 

GuUen  John 

■      Helm  J 

Gottftialkfon  Salom 

Guy  Richard 

1      Hemple 

, 

H 

■      Heming 

- 

■      Henderi 

Hafline  jun.  John 

Hamilton  William 

B      Henderi 

Hanford  Lewis 

Hamilton  Willi:vm 

1      Henry  \ 

Haga  Godfrey 

Hanfcll  Barnett 

■      Henry  J 

Hailer  Frederick 

Hannum  L.  Wafhington 

■      Herbert 

Hale  Matthew 

Hancock  William,  WiU 

I     Hera  Jol 

Hall  John 

mingUn  D» 

■      Hefs  Nic 

Hall  Robert 

- 

1     Hefs  Ads 

8UBSGR{BER6*  NAMES. 


Hall  John  • 

Hamilton  Charles,  fFil' 

minpon  D. 
Hanlon  Thomas 
Harbcfon  Jofcph 
Harkin  Thomas 
HarrcU  James 
Harper  Benjamin 
Harrifon  jun.  William 
Hardy  T. 
Harvey  Sampfon 
Harvey  AlcxarKlcr,  NrJ^' 

'Caftle  D. 
Hafllnger  Chrillophcr 
Hatrick  Matthew 
Hayes  John 
Hawkins  WiU'am 
Hazelton  Peter 
Helm  John 
Hemple  Chriftian 
Heming  Samuel 
Henderfon  John 
Hcnderfon  Robert 
Henry  William 
Henry  Andrew 
Herbert  Jofeph 
Hera  John 
Hefs  Nioholas 
HefsAdam 


Hefton  Levi 

Heyl  John 

Hcyl  Philip 

Hill  John 

Hill  Jacob 

Hochncr  John 

Hoffman  Jacob 

Hoffman  Daniel 

Hoffncr  Jacob 

Holmes  William 

Holmes  John 

Holmes  William 

Holland  Benjamin 

Homes  James 

Hood  John 

Hoops  jun,  Anthony 

Hook  John 

Horn  Benjamin 

Horton  Jcffe 

Hough  Ifaac 

Houfe  Peter 

Howell   M.    fVilmingt9H 

Hubcr  Henry 
Hudncr  John 
-  Hudlbn  Willkra 
Huff  John 
Huff  Jacob 
Hughes  John 


fo 


SUBSCRIBERS'   NAMES. 


Humphreys  Afheton  Hutton  Thomas 

Huron  I^aurence  Hutts  john 

HufFcy  Maurice  Hutton  Nathaniel 

Hutchinlbn  Charles  Hymer  Adam 


Ing  Thomas 
Inncs  John 
kiftant  Alexander 


Irving  David 
Ives  John 


Jackfon  John 
Jackfon  B.  Richard 
James  John>,  }Vilmington 

D. 
James  Edward 
James  Robert,  Trenton 
Jamefon  John 
Janney  Thomas 
January  William 
Janier  John 
Jaqoett   P.  John,  New- 

Cafile  D, 
Jaquettjun.  Peter,  Chrif- 

tiana  Bridge. 
John  Ifaac ' 
Johnfon  Jacob 
Johnfon  Jeremiah' 


Johnfon  Richard 
Johnfon  David 
Johnfon  Jonathan 
Johnfon  Jofeph 
Johnfon  John 
Johnfton  David 
Johnfton  William 
Johnfton  William 
Johnfton  John 
Jones  Gilbert 
Jones  Samuel 
Jones  John,    IVilmington 

D. 
Jones  John 
Jones  Edward 
Jones  Robert 
Jones  Marfhall 


SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES; 


w 


Jones  Amos,  JVilmmgtun     Jones  jun.  Philip 

D.  Joy  Abfalom 

Jones  Jonathan  Joyce  Thomas 


Kane  John 

Kay  Jofeph 

Keanjohn   ' 

Keen  John 

Kefferjohn 

Keller  George 

Kelley  Thomas 

Kclley  Hugh 

Kelfey  C.  John 

Kellar  George 

Kendall  Janks,  IVilming- 

ton  D. 
Kennedy  John 
Keriin  George,  TViUmng- 

ton  D. 


Key  Michael,   IVilming- 

ion  D. 
Keys  Abraham 
Kid  Robert 
Kimbcr  Jclfe 
Kinfton  J.  Thomas 
Kiflclman  S.   Frederick 
Klein  Abraham 
Knerr  Henry 
Knight  Thomas 
Knight  William 
Kollock  John 
Kuhl  jun.  Prcderick 


La  Combe  John  Dr. 
Lakcy  Marmaduke 
Lake  Richard 
Laing  Benjamin,  ATiV- 

tningion  D, 
Lamat  John 
Lancgder  Thomas 


*  Lancafter  Jt^iihn 
Landers  John,  PF'ihnhig- 

ton  D. 
Laning  James 

Larer  Melchior 
'Laflier  Jacob 
Lauck  John 


<> 


M 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


SB 


mmmm^ 


Lawrance  TKomas 
Lehman  Samuel 
Lee  Benjamin 
Lcedom  Benjamin 
Le  Brecon,  Dr. 
Lees  Mary 
Leib  George 
Lentz  jun.  Henrf 
I&c(h  Peter 
Lcflie  Guftavus    * 
Lewis  A.  John 
Lewis  S.  Jofeph 
Lewis  jun.  Robert 
Levy  Aaron 
Lingwood  H.  L 
Linten  Jacob 


Lodor  John 
Loir  B.  John 
Longftiore  Jolly 
Lotee  Jofeph 
Lorrainjun.  John 
Lownes  James 
Lourg  Peter 

Lowry  Philip 
Loudon  John 
Ludwig  Chriftopher 
Luke  John,    Wtlmingtcn 
D. 

Lulhal  John 

Lyons  Eneas 

Lyndall  Benjamin 
Lytle  Thomas 


M 


Macfcrran  Samuel 
Madan  Patrick, 
Magens  The :  Chrifiiana 

Maddock  Jeffc 
Malin  John 
Malvy  Charlc.*; 
Mann  William 
Manning  William 
Marlhall  Abraham 
Martin  John 
Marquedant  Charles 


Marfbal  Robert 
Mafon  William 
Matter  William 
Maybeny  John 
Mayers  Philip 
M*  Allcfter  Mary 
M*  Alpin  James 
M*  Arthur  Daniel 
M<  Caila  Andrew 
M*  Calla  David 
M'  Clain  Thoma$ 
W  Ckav  Charles 


SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES. 


H 


M*  Clcntick  William 
M<  Clcnaghan-  Michael 
M'  Colm  John 
M«  Crca  Archlbaid 
M*  Cutchon  James 
M*  Cutchon  Samuel 
M*  Donnell  L  m. 
M*  Donnald  MalcoUn 
M*  Doweli  Hugh 
M' Fccly  Edwaitl 
M*  Grach  James 
M*  liham  Peter 
M*IntireJohn 
M*  II wham  Thomas 
M'  Kav  James^ 
M*  Karaker  Daniel 
M*  Kenzic  John 
M*  Keever  John. 
M*  Keever  Nejil 
M'  Kinley  iUexander 
M'  Kiffick  John 
M'  Lachlan  Donald 
M*  Lcod  Malcom 
M'  Mahon  William 
iVl'NealJohn 
M*  Neil  John 
M'  Nulty  John 
M'  Phail  William 
Meade  John . 
Mcarns  James, 
Mce  Samuel 


MehafFv  Robert 
Meflcnger  Simoa 
Meyers  Henry 
Miller  Jacob 
Miller  John 
Miller  Mania 
Miller  Jofeph 
Miller  Robert 
Miller  William 
Miles  Thomas 
Miles  jun.  Samuel 
Miles  Samuel 
Milner  L. 
Mitchell  Thomas 
Moloy  M.  Chickeky 
Mollry  Adolphus 
Mooney  Wiiliafii 
'  Moore  William 
Moore  Elifha 
Moore  John 
Moore  Alexander 
Moore  Charles 
Morrelljohn 
Morris  John 
Morrifon  George 
Morrifon  John 
Morgan  Enoch 
Mofer  Lewis  Charles 
Muner  Phjlip 
Murray  Atchibalcl 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


Murray  John,   Cbriftiana    Murphy  John 


Ferry y  4  copies, 
Murfin  William 
Murphy  Henry 
Murphy  Michael 
Murphy  Daniel 


Nagle  Maurice 
Naglee  David 
Napier  Alexander 
Napier  John 
Napier  Thomas 
Naylor  Benjamin 
Neilen  Andrew 
Nicholas  John 


Oat  Jeffe 

O'Brien  Alexander 
O'Brien  Peter 

O'Callaughan  Maurice 
O'Conner  Myles 
Ogden  John 
Ogdcn  Hugh 


Mufchcrt  John 
Mufgravc  Aaron 
Myers  Laurence 
Myers  Jacob 
Mynich  Jacob 


K 


Nixon  Henry 
J^orny  Andrew 
Norris  James 
North  John 
North  Richard 
Norton  Jonathan 
Norton  George 
Nowlin  Matthew 


O 


O'Donnell  James 

Oliver  James 

O'Niel  Patrick 

Orr  Hugh 

Ofter  Jeremiah 

Otley  Abner,  fVilmington 


Palmer  Richard 
Pafcalis  Dr. 


Patterfon  Robert 
Paterfon  John 


SUBSCRIBERS'  NAMES. 


»f- 


Pattcrfon  V/illiam 

Paul  David 

Peart  Thomas 

Peacock  Ralph 

Peden  Hugh 

Peddle  George 

Peck  John 

Peck  William 

Pennock  George 

Penlovc  Thomas 

Penrofc  Charles 

Pentland  james 

Pepper  William 

Perine  John 

Perkinpine  David 

PeterfonLylof,  fVilming- 
tonD, 

PfeifFer  Jofcph 

PJiillips  William,  Wil- 
mington D. 

Phillips  Daniel 

Phillips  Naphtali 

Phillips  John 


Phillips  Thomas 
Pierce  John 
Pierce  Robert 
Piflant  John 
Pitt  jun.  John 
Piatt  William 
Plin  Jacob 
^lum  George 
Polock  Ifaac 
Potts  M.  George 
Powell  Ifaac 
Powell  William 
Prefton  Thomas,  IVil- 

mington  D. 
Price  William 
Prieft  Ifaac 
tPrichett  R.  William 
Pritchct  J. 
PritchardD.  James 
Provcft  I^oderick 
Punton  Thomas 
Purfil  Jofeph 


Quin  James 


SUBSCRIBERS*    NAMI8. 


=5SSa9S 


Rabfon  George 
Radley  William 
Ramfay  Alexander 
Rain  John,  8  copies 
Randies  James 
Ramagc  John 
Rarick  Godfrey 
Rawlings  Thomas,  Wil- 

mingtofiy  Z>. 
Read  George,  New 

Caftle,  D. 
Read  Charles 
Rchn  George 
Rehn  John 
Rees  William 
Rccs  David 
Rcgnaud  A. 
Reid  William 
Rcilly  James 
Rcilly  John 
Reeve  Eliiha 
Relf  William    . 
Rdfc  Richard 
Rcnnie  George 
Rcynall  S.  Richard 
Rhoads  Charles 
Rhoads  Philip 
Rhonds  John 
Richards  William 
Richards  Jcffe,  Wilming» 


Richardfon  Ifaac 
Richards  Samuel 
Rickctts  Jahn 
Rickects  James 
Ridgway  Daviil 
Rievicr  John 
kinot  David 
Rink  John 
Rifing  Francis 
Robins  John 
Roberts  George 
Robbins  William 
Robertfon  Alexander 
Robertfon  Charles 
Robertfon  William 
Robefon  James 
♦  Robin  fon  Parker 
Robinfon  Richard 
Robinfon  James,  2  co> 

pies. 
Robinfon  William 
Robinfon  Henry 
Robinett  Richard 
Rogers  Thomas 
Rogers  William 
Rogers  Maurice 
Rogers  Robert 
Rogers  Eli 
Rolet  Francois 
Rofs  David 
Rofs  Robert 


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SUB^CJllBEPiS*  KAMfcl    ty 


.nM.MKMMW 


Rowntrcc  Jdmes 

Rowen  John 

Ruddock  William 

Rugdoii  John 
Sands  John 

Sailor  Henry 

Sailor  Zachariah 

Savidgc  Reuben 

Schmidft  Frederick  Rev. 

Schneider  jun.  Cafper 

Schott  John 

Scott  John 

Scott  David 

Scott  William 

Scot  Robert 

Sears  John 

Seaman  William 

Seckel  Henry 

Sellers  John 


Ruih  William 
Rufh  Benjamin 
RufTcl  Edward 

Shull  Frederick 
Shutz  Judas 
Sigmond  Michael 
Sikcs  Henry 
Siminton  George 
Simonton  John 
Simpfon  John 
Simpfon  Thomas 
Sims  John 
Sims  Henry 
Sink  Laurance 
Sink  William 
Skirm  Robert 
Skinner  William 
Skinrick  Adam 


Scyfert  Conrad,  i  a  copies    Slack  Daniel 
Shade  George        "  Sloan  Samuel 


Shaffer  Charles 
Shannon  Thomas 
Sharp  James 
Shaw  Alexander 
Shaw  Thomas 
Shell  Henry 
Sheph<Jrd  tVilliarn 
Shewell  jun.  Robert 
Shoemaker  Jofeph 
Shorten  Gtorgc 
ShirefFWilliam 
Shreevc  Joha 


Smiley  William 
Smith  Henry 
Smith  John 
Smith  Jacob 
Smith  Godfrey 
Smith  Matthias 
Smith  John 
Smith  Chairlcs 
Smith  R.  Richard 
Smith  Edward 
Smith  Aaron 
Smith  Jofttt' 


l' 


\ 


h 


i6                SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES. 

Smith  jun.  William 

Stecn  Robert 

Smith  Samuel,  fVilming- 

Steintr  Mclchior 

tcn,  D. 

Stewart  Robert 

Smith  James,    PFilming- 

Stewart  James 

toUf  D. 

Stewart  William 

Smith  Henry,   IVilming- 

Stewart  Aaron 

ton,  D. 

Stiles  Edward 

Snowdcn  Thomas, 

Stiles  Richard 

Snyder  John 

Stilwaggon  Frederick 

Snyder  John 

Stimartz  William 

Snyder  Thomas 

Stirk  James       ' 

Snyder  William 

Scoaker  John 

Sommervill  James 

Stockton  John,  fVilming^ 

Souder  jun.  Charles 

tony  D 

Sowcrwalt  Mark 

Stockard  Conolly 

Spangler  George 

Stockton  Ifrael 

Speelman  John 

Stokes  T.  William 

Spence  Henry 

Stout  P.  Jacob 

Speirs  Thomas 

Stoy  Peter 

Stakley  Chriftian 

Stroop  Jacob 

StanclifFJohn 

Strapp  Henry 

Starr  Caleb,  JVilmington, 

Stuart  Ifaac 

Steel  John 

Stuart  James 

Steel  Stephen 

Summers  Andrew 

Steel  William 

Sweeors  Eliza 

Steel  Nicholas 

T 

Tallman  W.  Thomas 

Symington  Alexander 

Taylor  John,  fVilmington 

Tage  Benjamin 

Teas  Charles 

Taylor  James 

Tea  Robert 

Taylor  William 

Thomas  Henry 

Taylor  Robert 

Thomas  Stacy 

Taylor  Anthony 

Thompfon  Thomas 

'i 

19                 SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES. 

Thonipfon  John 

Townfcnd  Ifaac 

Thompfon  jolin 

Traqiiair  John 

Thompfon  Thomas 

Trautwinc  William 

Thompfon  Jofcph 

Treflc  Thomas 

x 

Thompfon  R.  Stephen 

Trump  Daniel 

Thompfon  M.  K.  Tho. 

Tueften  j. 

Thorburn  James 

Turnbull  Alexander 

Tittermary  Robert 

Turner  john 

Toland  Henry 

Tuftin  William 

Townfcnd  Henry 

Tybout  R. 

i 

1 

U 

V 

1 

Uftick  W.  Thomas 

Van  Leuvinigh  William, 

'. 

Vance  Adam 

New  Cajlle,  D, 

1 

Vanderflice  George 

Vanfant  Jofeph 

Van  Dufen  Matthew 

Vaughn  W. 

■ 

Van  Dyke  Nicholas, 

Vickars  Thomas 

New  Caftle,  D, 

Vining  Henry 

Vandever  wiUiam,  Wil- 

Vogcl  Frederick 

mingtorii  D. 

Voight  Henry 

Van  Horn  Benjamin 

Voight  Sebaftian 

Van  Manierck  Anthony 

Vorter  Robert 

Vanfciver  Jacob              W 

Wagner  George 

Walraven  Lucas,  New 

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,* 

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W?gner  Jacob 

CaftleD,    . 

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Walker  John 

WaKhJohn 

■ 

Walker  Charles 

Ward  Patrick 

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Walker  William 

Ware  John 

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Walker  George 

Warner  Jofeph 

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Walkinfhan  William 

Warthman  Adam 

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Wallace  james 

Waiters  Philip 

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Wallice  Charles 

Watters  George 

ii 

Wallis  William 

W.itt  Robert 

Wallis  Samuel,  PFilming,     Wattles  Henry 


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SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES.                 20                I 

Way  George 

Wilkinfon  J.  B.                v    - 

Way  John,  pyUmington    ^ 

Williams  William 

Way  Francis,  IVilmington 

Willis  I. 

Weaver  Jacob 

Willis  Samuel 

Webb  John,  fVilmingtcn 

Wilfon  James       '                           r 

^Vebftcr  Levi 

Wilfon  James 

Welch  John 

Wilfon  James 

Walldone  Davirf 

wilfon  John 

Welfh  John 

Wilfon  John 

Wefcot  Henry 

Wilfon  John 

Weft  Jofiah 

Wilfon  George 

wheeler  Samuel 

Wilfon  B.  Let. 

White  James 

Wilfon  John,  fFilmwgton, 

White  Samuel 

Wondcrly  Jacob 

White  William 

Were  John 

White  Charles 

Woglom  Abraham 

White  George 

Wood  Mansfield 

Whitendes  William 

Woodruff  Smith 

Whitehead  William 

Worth  James 

Wills  Jeremiah.,  tVilming, 

Wonderly  William 

Whitaker  James 

Worrell  Ifaiah 

Widdifield  William 

AV'right  William 

1 

Wiley  ]ohn,NewCafiIeJ). 

Wrenfhall  John 

1 

Williams  Zenas 

Wright  Malconx 

1 

Wilkinfon  Th6mas 

1 

Yard  Jeffe 

Yeager  John 

1 

Yard  William 

Youn£T  Charles 

1 

'f- 


Young  John,  New  Cafikj     Young  William 

Z 
Zane  Samuel 

Ziegler  Dellman 


Zemerman  Chriftophci^ 


Zeller  Jacob,  6  copies,  a 


AMii.<«atfMb  .J,, 


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•  F 


SUBSCRIBERS 


T  O 


CARVERVs   TRAVELS, 

Refiding  Jn  New- York. 


AdAM^  William 
Adams  Timothy  • 

Adriance  J.  Abraham 
Akerly  Benjamin 
Allan  Robert 
Allen  b.  James 
Alftyne  jun.  Jeronemus 
Andrews  Jolm 

Backhoiiie  Edward 
Baker  Abner 
Baker  William 
Baillie  James 
Banker  J.  Gerard 
Barre  James 
Baptiillfaac 
Barry  Hugh 
Barrou  John 
Barras  William 
Barberie  V.  T.  Otto 
Bafs  George 
Boden  Omar 
Bockhorfl  h.  Harman 
Bogart  John 
Bogctt  L.  James 
Bogardus  P;  Peter 
Borrow  Samuel 
Bourne  John 


Amernian  Thomas 
Amory  James 
Anderfon  John 
Andrew  George 
Armftrong  J-  W. 
Avery  Charles 
Aycrigg  Benjamin 

B 

Bates  John 
Bauflier  Henry 
Beakley  Chriftophcr 
Becanon  Philip 
Beekman  Chriftopher 
Benfon  John 
Biddle  and  Sanford 
Bidell  &  Simonfon 
Black  Peter 
Blauvelt  Jeflfe 
Blackwell  jun.  Jofeph 
Brower  A.  David 
Brown  John 
Brown  John 
Browne  Nathaniel 
Brown  Thomas 
Brown  Abraham 
Bruih  Gilbert 
Bruce  John 
A 


^: 


SUBSCRIBER  S'    NAMES* 


Bowne  Andrew 
Bowne  Samuel    , 
BoVne  Thomas 
Brett  &  Bunn 
Brazier  John 
Brafher  Thomas 
Briggs  Ebenezer 
Broome  T.  William 
Brouwer  John 
Brouwer  Samuel 
Browcr  iun.  John 
Browelr  D.  Abraham 
Browcr  Nicholas 


Caldwell  James 
Caldwell  John 
Campbell  John 
Campbell  John 
Campbell  Alexander 
Campbell  Jared 
CahillHugh 
CarmerW. 
Carberry  John 
Carroll  A. 
Carter  Robert 
Coates  H.  John 
Cocks  Robert 
Collord  James 
Coit  Elifha 
Cooper  William 
Cooper  Cornelius 
Contelling  David 
Conolly  Felix 
Connolly  Thomas 
Conklin  John 
Cornwall  j. 


Bryar  James 
Buchannan  Tails 
Buckley  John 
Buckley  Thomas 
Bulcock  John 
Bunn  William 
Burling  William 
Burling  S.  William 
Burtus  A.  Samuel 
Buxton  Enoch 
Byrne  Thomas 
Byrne  James 


Cartwright  George 
Cafey  James 
Carters  John 
Child  Abraham 
Cheafe  John 
Cheefeman  John 
Chriftie  Andrew 
Church  Alexander 
Clark  Martin 
Clark  Ebenezer 
Cluett  J.  John 
Cornell  Samuel 
Corbett  H.  Robert 
Comwell  W.  H. 
Cornell  G. 
Cottrill  Richard 
Craddock  William 
Crane  D.  David 
Crygier  Aaron 
Cummings  James 
Cunningoam  Aichdi 
Cuyler  James 


mtm 


SUBSCRIBER  S'     NAMES. 


Dally  Wilfiam 
Darley  Arthur  &  John 
Ddamater  Ifaac 
De  La  Roche  F. 
De  Laplain  Jofhua 
De  Molitor  Ghriftian 
De  Peyfter  Nicholas 
De  Witt  John 
Demilt  Thomas 
Denoven  Hugh 
Defdoitty  B.  John 
Dick  Thomas 
Dickfon  John 
Dickfon  Peter 
Difofway  Mark 
Dominick  John 


Dobbs  Jeremiah 
Doremus  Peter 
Dougall  Hugh 
Pouglafs  James 
Dougall  Alexander 
Drake  Thomas 
Drake  Jacob 
Drake  Gilbert 
Duffie  James 
DufF  Patrick 
DufF  Nicholas 
Duffie  R.  Cornelius 
Durie  Peter 
Duryee  Richard 
Duftan  James 
Dutch  Stephen 


Eccledon  A. 
EUfworth  John 

Faulconer  Thomas 
Felter  John 
Fitzfimoiis  Michael 
Fitzpatrick  Thomas 
Flin  John 
Foord  William 


F 


Evans  Ciiarles 
Everdell  James 

Forfyth  Jacob 
Franklin  Matthew 
Frafer  James 
Frederick  James 
Freebufti  Matthe^V 


Gallagher  George 
Gardner  WiUiaiA 
Gardiner  James 
Gedney  John 
Gilbert  Thoi^as 
Oibfon  William 
Gibfon  Thomas 
Gilbert  James 
Gilbert  George 


Gilmore  Robert 
Gardener  Michael 
Gafton  T.  Thomas 
Geer  George 
Goitfchius  M. 
Godbey  William 
Gore  "Thomas 
Gore  Thomas 
Gram  R* 


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4                  S«IJ  B  S  C  R 

IB  E  R  S'     NAME  S. 

Gillefpy  Samuel 

Graves  Rofewell 

Giles  William 

Green  Samuel 

I            Giles  Robert 

:  Greene  John 

1       .    Gill  Thomas 

i 

Gumbs  Thos.  of  St*  Croix  : 
Harris  William 

HaffP.  John 

»           Hadley  Ifaac 

Harper  Andrew 

Hall  Thomas 

Hart  Robert 

Halftedl.  John 

Hartman  Lewis 

Hallet  James 

Hatfield  Elias 

Hallet  John 

Hays  Henry 

Hannan  Henry 

Haydock  Jofeph 

Hanfon  A.  John 

Hawxhurft  James 

!           Hardie  Thomas 

Hawxhurft  Nathaniel 

Healy  Edward 

Horton  A. 

Heath  Thomas 

Houfman  Jacob 

Hedden  Abijah 

Houfeman  John 

Helm  Obediah 

Howe  William . 

Henderfon  Jofiah 

Hunt  Richard 

j,         Henry  William 

Hunt  James 

Henry  John 

Himt  Alfop 

Hewitt  John 

Hunter  George 

Heyer  Ifaac 

Hunter  Roger 

Hill  jun.  Henry 

Hirrmance  Martin 

Hogben  Charles 

Hutchifon  Alexander 

Holmes  Stephen 

Hutchifon  John 

Hook  Crane  Jofeph 

Hyer  Laurence 

j          Hopper  Garrett 

Hyflop  John 

1          Horn  Jofeph 

j 

I  &  J 

Inderwick  A. 

Jeremiah  John 

Ireland  George 

Johnfon  William 

Ireland  Jofeph 

Jones  John 

Jacobs  William 

Jones  Thomas 

Jackfon  Samuel 

Jones  John 

Jarvis  Elijah 

'  Joyce  Robert 

Johnfon  Benjamin 

Judah  Mofes 

j         Johndon  Richard 

June  Jacob         •    — '^  **..f 

Jenrings  S.  Jon. 

>i 

S  tf  B  S  C  R  1  B  E~R  S*     NAMES. 


Kams  John 
Kartright  B.  James 
Kelly  Lewis 
Kelly  Bernard 
KilTam  Benjamin 
Kitchel  tfaac 


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Kelly  Luke 
Kimberly  Nathaniel 
King  Henry 
Kingfland  Daniel 
Kifs  S.  Ifaac 
KnoxS.  William 


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Lalor  Henry 
Lake  Jofeph 
Langley  William 
Laiher  Frederick 
Laurence  D.  Samuel 
LawfonJohn 
Leaycroft  Richard 
Lee  William 
Leabch  G.  John 
Leggett  £b.  &  John 
Leggett  Abraham 
Lentz  Frederick 
Lent  Henry 
Lent  John 

Mallory  l^liam 
Marvin  John 
Marfh  Charles 
Makarcy  James 
Manathan  Anfon 
Martin  John 
Martling  B.  Abraham 
M'Dougall  John 
M'Dougall  Hugh 
McDowell  RoWt 
M^Comb  Ifaac 
M'Kenny  William 
M^Kay  James 
M'Kinftry  WilUam 
Merrill  Frederick 
Merrills  George 


M 


Lentner  John 
Lefler  Benjamin 
Lethem  David 
Lillywhite  Jofhua 
Limberger  Henry 
Lockman  Samuel 
Lockwood  jun.  Phineas 
Lounds  John 
Lozier  Peter 
Lovett  John 
Lucas  Jeffe 
Lurenge  John 
Lynch  F. 
Lynch  Francis 


! 


M'Kinley  Peter 
M'CaffJohn 
M<Leod  John 
M'Laughlin  I.  Andrew 
M'Gary  Thomas 
Mac  Gregor  John 
M'Gregor  lohn 
Matthews  Robert 
Maflerton  William 
Mayhew  Thaddeus 
Meat  Nicholas 
Mears  William 
Meeks  jun.  Edward 
Morris  Andre,/ 
Moore  Blafe 
Moores  William 


It 


SUBSCRIBERS      NAMES. 


Mervill  Abraham 
Mller  Andrew 
MUler  Zebuloa 
Minturn  Jonas 
Mitchell  James 
Mitchell  Stephen 
Mix  P.  William 
MofFet  John 
Moore  Boltis 
Moore  WiUiam 
Moore  Jofeph 
Maclarin  John 

NabI  Bernard 
NicholL  James 

Ogden  G.  Samuel 
0*Hara  Henry 
O'Neil  John 

Page  John 
Palljabefli 
f^ge  L.  Samue! 
Park  Gideon 
Parker  William 
Paterfon  B.  James 
Paterfon  James 
Paxton  James 

Quackinbuih  James 
Quereau  Philip 

Ramage  WilKam 
Rawdon  Cornelius 
Read  John 
Ramfay.  David 
Reed  ^muel 
Remfen  H.  John 
Refler  Frederick 


Morrifon  William 
Morrifon  Jofeph 
Mount  iohn 
Mofes  Ifaac 
Mowatt  Benjamin 
Mount  Gilbert 
Mulheran  Richard 
Mulheran  Iohn 
Mumford  C.  William 
Murray  William 
Myers  Henry 


N 


O 


Norton  Henry 
Nugent  Mitchell 

Onderdonk  John  Dr, 
Outcalt  John 


Peck  Hezekiah 
Pell  Elijah 
Pennoier  Ifaac 

Pennycook  Wiltiaxit 
Penny  Jonathan. 
Pratt  Ifaac 
Price  Jos. 
Purcell  Henry 


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Robinfon,  John 
Rodman  John 
RodmanDaniel 
Rogers  Leonard 
Rogers  l^dwArd 
Roome  J.,  P. 

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-subscribers'     l^AMtt, 


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Kichey  J.  John 
Richardfon  Jofeph 
Richardfon^john 
Riley  Ezekiel 
Riker  Richard 
Ritter  Frederick 
Robertfoa  John  . 
Robertfon  reter 

Sands  Comfort .    , 
Sands  lofhua 
Sarles  Edward 
Schuyler  C.  Peter 
Scott  William 
Scotland  John 
Scorciby  Thomas 
Shawjun.  James 
ShiplefGeorge 
Shay  P. 
Sharp  Johh 
Shields  Edward 
Shu:er  Samuel 
Seaman  Thomas 
Seikels  Garrett 
Seafield  William 
Sexton  Wffliam 
Speaight  Richard 
Spndnger  R.  Peter 
Stagg  T.  Ifacc 
Stanton  ^ohn 
Stackhoufe  tt.  Samuel 
Stagg  Abraham 
Stack  William 
Stegheefer  John 
Sterling  James 
Sterlitz  Jofeph 

Tabele  Jam^ 
Taylor  Thomas 


Root  Reuben 
Rofeaman  K. 
Rofhope  John 
Rofs  Thomas 
Roffijohn 
Ryker  John* 
Ryckman  A> 


S. 


Simley  John 
Sickles  Elias 
Simfon  William 
Sitcher  Andrew 
Smith  ^ohn 
Smith  Ed, 
Sirith  Elkaimali 
Smith  Gamalid 
Smith  D. 
Smith  W.  Oliver 
Smith  Tofeph 
Smith  Granville 
Smith    ohn 
Smith  Robert 
Smith  <ohn 
Smith  Thomas 
Spencer  Enoch 
Stewart  A,  James 
Stewart '  ohn 
Stevens  Ebenezer 
Stevenfdn  'ohn 
Stevenfon  C.  B^jaiiHa 
Stevenfon  John 
Stockholm  Andrew 
Stymets  'ohn 
Sudam  John 


Taylor  ^atnes 
Tearney  Luke 


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Thompfon  WiHiam 
IPlompfon  William 
irfaiompfon  Alexander 
irHoniproii  Andrew 
l^ome  A^illiam 
'tiebout  Abratxam 
TiUou  Peter 

mffioeffer  George 
Underbill  William 
Underbill  Ss^uel 
Valentine  A.  George 
Valentine  A. 
Vandewater  William 
Vanderbitt  Oliver 
Vanderbiltjun.    ohn 
Vandewater  William 
Van  Dyck  iam6& 
Van  Dyck  Ifaac 
Van  Dyck  Francis 
Wade  jun.  Edward 
Wade  Isi^es 
Wade  WilUam 
Walker  Alexander 
Walker  Jobn 
Walker  Tames 
WaagM. 

Walton  M.  Abraham 
WaringTbomas 
Walih  itomag 
Waring  Silvenus 
Warner  Cbarles 
Webfter  George 
Weeks  lames 
Wendover  Hercules 
Wenter  T. 
WerterfieldA* 
Werts  loihua 
Werts  William 
Weft  lobn 
Weflels  B.  Richatd 


B  E  VUA' 


NAMES. 


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timj^on  Thomal 
Town  John 
Townlcy  I  ohn 
TraUWUHpn 
Trivett  James 
Twitcbings  William 
Tupper  Cbriftian 

Underbill  Jofhua 
Uftick  William 


Van  Aulen  Staats 
Van  Hook  Abrabati 
Van  Horn  Andrew 
Van  Neft  Abraham 
Van  Saan  Henry 
Van  Zandt  James 
Van  Voorbis  R.  John 
Volburgh  Harmati 
W 
Weftervelt  William 
White  Andrew 
Whimfter  David 
Wigins  William 
Wilcocks  lames 
WillianijS  L«  Samuel 
Williamis  Peter 
WilUamTon  C.  Henry 
Williamfon  Benjamin 
Willeh  lames 
Wilfon  William 
WiUbn  loha 
Wilfon  A. 
wyfon  Samuel 
'Wmbn  Alexander 
Wilt  Jacob 
Woods  Tames 
Woodbill  Gilbert 
Woolcy  Gerardtts 
Wood  B.  Wllliasi 
Wragg  WiUim 
Wright  I&BC. 


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